Lindenwood struck twice early and held the lead for an upset win at home.
Lindenwood knocked off the No.10 North Dakota Fighting Hawks 4-1 on Saturday afternoon from Lindenwood Ice Arena in Wentzville, Missouri. The victory was Lindenwood's first over a ranked opponent since October 10, 2015.
Lindenwood seized control of the game early in the opening period, scoring an even-strength goal just 2:40 into play. Carrie Atkinson netted her first goal of the season off of a wrist shot from the blue line. Cierra Paisley and Carla Goodwin were credited with the assists, their seventh and fourth of the season, respectively.
Head coach Scott Spencer after the 4-1 win against North Dakota https://t.co/OuA5gyxeOB
— Lindenwood Athletics (@LU_Lions) December 17, 2016
The Lady Lions would extend their lead to a two-goal margin just 3:31 after Atkinson's goal, bringing the score to 2-0. Kirsten Martin scored her third goal of the season of off a wrist shot from the right faceoff circle. Assisting on Martin's goal were Shannon Morris-Reade and Xylia Lang.
Lindenwood would maintain its two-goal lead after the first period of play.
The Fighting Hawks would cut the Lady Lion lead in half early in the middle frame, as Marissa Salo scored an even strength goal at the 1:49 mark of the period.
Lindenwood reestablished its two-goal lead shortly thereafter, on the strength of a Courtney Ganske power-play goal. Ganske's second goal of the year was assisted by Kaitlyn Davidson and Lillian Marchant.
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The Lady Lions protected the two-goal lead for the remainder of the second period.
North Dakota would send 16 shots on goal during the final period, all of which were turned away by Lindenwood goaltender Morgan Skinner. Skinner earned her first career victory and finished the game with 36 saves.
Carla Goodwin would put the icing on the cake with the final goal of the afternoon, scoring an empty-net goal with 18 seconds remaining and bringing the game to its final score of 4-1.
On special teams, Lindenwood was 1-of-3 on the power play and 2-of-2 on the penalty kill.
