All-Around Success In Must-Win Situation

MOORHEAD, Minn. (10/17/2015) --- Facing an almost must-win situation, Concordia scored a goal in each half and blanked St. Benedict 2-0.

The Cobbers entered the game in eighth place in the MIAC with only four league games remaining. With only six teams earning conference playoff spots, Concordia was staring at having to win three of four to have a chance at their 13th consecutive playoff berth. That, coupled with the fact the Blazers were ahead of CC in the standings meant the MIAC showdown had huge postseason implications.

Concordia picked the right time to come with one of their best all-around performances of the season. The Cobbers played stellar defense to pick up only their second shutout of the year. CC's offense then had their eighth multiple-goal game of the season.

The Cobbers got on the board midway through the opening period when Alexandra Jones scored her second goal in as many games. Jones netted the eventual game-winning goal when Paige McCullough drove the ball down the wing and served a cross to the middle of the penalty area. The ball was touched forward by a Blazer defender. Abby Vogelsberg then latched onto the ball and tapped it to teammate Morgan Holm. Holm played the ball backwards to Jones who was standing at the top of the penalty area. Jones then one-timed the ball into the lower corner of the net.

The score at 24:10 was Jones' second collegiate goal.

Neither team was able to come with many quality chances in the first half. St. Benedict had a 4-3 shot advantage in overall shots but CC held a 3-2 in shots on goal.

The second half was more of the same as the teams played between the penalty areas.

The Cobbers added an insurance goal just 5:55 into the final period. Emily Wendorff finished off an 11-pass sequence by tapping the ball into the net from seven yards out. Holm earned her second assist of the game and McCullough had the second assist after gaining an advantage on the wing.

It was Wendorff's team-leading seventh goal of the season. Concordia is now 6-1 when she scores a goal in the game.

The Cobber defense would take over down the stretch and limit the Blazers to just one shot on goal in the final 20 minutes of play.      

Concordia had a 7-6 edge in shots on goal for the game. Wendorff had a game-high three total shots in the game.

Elizabeth Bitzan made six saves to record her second shutout of the season and 21st of her career.    

STAT STUFF: Concordia is now 8-0 in 2015 when they score more than one goal in a game.  
   
WHAT'S NEXT? Concordia will host its final non-conference game of the year on Monday, Oct. 19 when they square off against Northwestern (Minn.) at 3:30 p.m.