In an exciting matchup, the Lindenwood Women’s Hockey team secured a thrilling shootout victory against Bemidji State on Saturday afternoon. This game was held in Maryland Heights, Missouri, and showcased the remarkable skills of junior forward Zsofia Pazmandi, who played a pivotal role in the Lions’ performance.
Lindenwood’s Journey to Victory
Bemidji State struck first, scoring just under two minutes into the opening period. However, Pazmandi quickly equalized, netting her first goal with 1:49 left in the first period. She received an assist from teammate Tatiana Blichova after forcing a turnover behind the Beavers’ net.
First Period Summary
- Shots on goal: Lindenwood 16, Bemidji State 10
- Pazmandi and Blichova each recorded three shots on goal.
Despite outshooting Bemidji, Lindenwood couldn’t find another goal in the first period, as the Bemidji goaltender made impressive saves.
Second Period Highlights
The second period saw another turn of events, with Bemidji’s Morgan Smith scoring shortly before the end of the period, bringing the score to 2-1. During this segment, the Lions successfully killed off two penalties, including a five-on-three situation. Goalkeeper Lexington Secreto made crucial saves, stopping 19 consecutive shots, keeping the game within reach for Lindenwood.
Late Game Heroics
With just 4:15 left in the third period, Pazmandi once again showcased her skills. After retrieving the puck in her own zone, she skated the length of the ice, scoring while falling to tie the game at two. This goal pushed the game into overtime, marking Lindenwood’s third overtime game this season.
Overtime and Shootout
Both teams battled fiercely in overtime, with a combined nine saves made by the goalkeepers. The Lions nearly clinched victory early in the extra period, but Blichova’s effort was thwarted by the Bemidji goaltender. As the overtime period ended with no goals, the game moved to a shootout.
- Molly Henderson scored first for Lindenwood in the shootout.
- Secreto made two crucial saves immediately after.
- Pazmandi sealed the victory by scoring on her attempt, marking the Lions’ first shootout win of the season.
Current Season Status
With this win, the Lindenwood Lions improved their season record to 5-13-2. They are set to conclude the first half of their season next weekend against Mercyhurst. The first game is scheduled for Friday at 4 p.m. Central Time.
