St. Catherine defeats Lake Forest as Alexandra Polasik scores
Alexandra Polasik scored the game-winning goal during the second period, securing the shutout victory for St. Catherine.
Alexandra Polasik Nets Game-Winning Goal
The decisive moment of the contest arrived six minutes and twenty-eight seconds into the second period. Alexandra Polasik broke the tie at even strength to net her first goal of the season, with assists credited to Jaden Kozak and Kendra Bogen. Players on the ice for St. Catherine during the score included Alexandra Polasik, Kendra Bogen, Jaden Kozak, Lilly Gillespie, and Isabella Brady, while Delaney Zerfass, Ella Maher, McKena Bales, Sophia Kuhns, and Sophie Smith defended for Lake Forest.
Defensive execution dictated much of the middle frame as both goaltenders faced sustained pressure. Kayden Larson recorded multiple saves for Lake Forest during the period, turning away shots from Lauren Schmidt, Morgan Kivel, and Rhiannon Ashworth. At the other end of the ice, Casey Stockbridge anchored the St. Catherine defense, stopping incoming bids from Jenna Fryar, Mia Ryder, and Sophie Smith.
St. Catherine Kills Lake Forest Power Play
Discipline played a recurring role as both squads worked through special teams sequences. The opening minutes of the second period saw St. Catherine exit a power play after Lily Anderson’s penalty time expired for Lake Forest at the 1:55 mark. Later in the period, Kendra Bogen drew a two-minute minor for interference at 9:16, handing Lake Forest a man-advantage opportunity. St. Catherine successfully killed off the penalty, blocking attempts from Delaney Zerfass and Ella Maher to preserve their lead.
St. Catherine Maintains Offensive Zone Pressure
Faceoffs remained fiercely contested throughout the second period. Ana Myers and Gracia Muñoz locked horns at the center dot repeatedly during opening shifts, with St. Catherine establishing early control. Later faceoff pairings featured Abbie Benson against Gabriela Giglione and Sophie Smith, as both coaching staffs adjusted personnel on the draw to generate zone entries.
St. Catherine maintained offensive zone pressure through high-volume shooting directories, testing Larson with sustained attempts from the perimeter and slot. Lake Forest counter-punched through transition rushes, though defensive blocks by players such as Michelle Smith, Abbie Benson, and Alex Luke—who blocked shots from Samantha Bogen at 1:01 and 1:17—kept high-danger scoring chances to a minimum ahead of the third period.