Hardwick's Hat Trick Gives Cobbers Series Sweep

MOORHEAD, Minn. (11/06/21)---On Friday night, Concordia waited until the final two minutes to score the only goal of the game against Finlandia. On Saturday, the Cobbers scored three goals in a span of 1:52 in the first seven minutes of the opening period and went on to beat the Lions 6-2.

The six goals are the most by Concordia in a non-conference game since the start of the 2018-19 season.

The win gives the Cobbers a sweep in the opening series of the year. It marks the first time CC has started the season with back-to-back wins since the 2011-12 campaign.

On Friday it was senior Maiah McCowan who was the offensive star by netting the late game winner. On Saturday it was freshman Abbey Hardwick who scored three goals – including the game winner in the opening 3-goal flurry – to step into the spotlight.

Hardwick was playing in her first college game after sitting out on Friday night. She becomes the first player in Concordia history to score a hat trick in her very first collegiate series. What makes the 3-goal game even more special is that Hardwick is the niece of Cobber head coach Maureen (Hardwick) Greiner.

Sophomore Kaylie Klemetsrud opened the scoring when she scored her first collegiate goal at 5:06 of the first period.

McCowan then netted her second goal in as many games when she staked CC to a 2-0 lead at 5:28.

That set the stage for Hardwick who scored her first goal at 6:68 of the first. She gave the Cobbers a 4-1 lead at 16:35 of the second, and then finished off the trick with a goal at 5:50 of the third period.

Senior Brenna Mjoness capped the 6-goal game by scoring a power play goal at 17:22 of the final frame.

Hannah Christian, Jordie Egerdahl and McKenzie Oelkers all had two assists in the game.

Concordia outshot Finlandia 44-14 in the game and 73-32 in the 2-game series.

Sophomore Becca Macklin mader her first collegiate start and stopped 12 shots to record her first college win.               

UP NEXT: Concordia will open up MIAC play next weekend when they travel to Winona to take on St. Mary's on Nov. 12-13.