It was a great M.I.A.C. opening night for St. Kate's hockey, as the Wildcats showed their offensive power by beating Augsburg 4-0 at Ridder Arena. Aryn Ball contributed to the win with a hat trick.

St. Kate's took advantage of a power play opportunity to take the early lead. Senior Aryn Ball put in the first goal 11:05 into the opening period off of assists from Jessica Feltes and Ashley Tilton.

Just over six minutes later, Ball put in her second goal of the night off of a pass from Kayla Clafton. The Wildcats took the 2-0 lead into the first intermission.

The offensive highlight reel kept rolling in the second period when first-year Ashley Grell put the Wildcats up 3-0, assisted by Rachael Gasperetti and Liz Bauer.

Only two minutes later, Ball completed her hat trick, putting in her third goal at 9:28 with help from Randi Weinzierl and Kelsey Abrahamson. It was the Wildcats' final goal of the night, giving them the 4-0 win.

Goaltender Mel Gerten recorded the shut-out, making 24 saves in the process.

St. Kate's scored on two of three power play attempts. They had 36 shots to Augsburg's 24, while out-shooting them 14 to 5 in the first period. 

The win brings the Wildcats to 4-0 on the season, 1-0 in the M.I.A.C.

The Wildcats play at Augsburg on Saturday, November 21at 7:05 p.m. Their next home game is on Friday, December 4 at 7:00 p.m. when they host St. Mary's.

Box Score