Hamline & Augsburg split their top-5 series this past weekend, Hamline winning 6-2 & Augsburg winning 3-2 in OT (Photo by Steve Aggergaard)
With the men’s postseason underway, the women’s side follows with a premier MIAC semifinal matchup. The third-seeded Saint Benedict Bennies(14-7-4) travel to face the second-seeded Hamline University Pipers (20-4-1) at the TRIA.
These two met less than a month ago in a tightly contested series. Game one at Ritsche Arena ended in a tie after 65 minutes, as Presley Kraemer scored in the final minute to force overtime before Hamline secured the extra point in a shootout. The following day at TRIA Rink, the Pipers jumped out to a 3-0 lead and earned a 5-1 victory. The result moved Hamline’s all-time edge in the series to 26-23-5, reflecting the long-standing and competitive nature between these nearby programs.
Puck drop is set for 3:00 p.m. CT Saturday at TRIA Rink.
Saint Benedict enters the postseason after recording its most wins since the 1999-2000 season, finishing 14-7-4 and setting a new program record with a .640 winning percentage. Under third-year head coach Lindsay Macy, the Bennies have established a winning culture, and Macy has already become the program’s all-time wins leader with 51 victories.
The Bennies have built their identity around resilience. They have consistently battled regardless of score or situation and have proven difficult to put away.
First-year forward Helena Siska has led the offense with 12 goals and 10 assists for 22 points in 25 games, while also leading the team with 72 shots. Senior defenseman Presley Kraemer has added 16 points from the blue line, including 10 goals.
In net, first-year goaltender Lexi Badali has made 19 starts, posting a 1.78 goals-against average and a .971 save percentage with two shutouts. She ranks among the top first-year goaltenders nationally in both GAA and save percentage.
Hamline enters the semifinal after splitting a series with Gustavus, winning 4-2 and falling 4-1. The Pipers will look to reset as postseason play begins. This season marks their highest win total since the 2018-19 campaign, when they advanced to the national championship game before falling to SUNY Plattsburgh.
From an NPI standpoint, Hamline appears to be in a strong position, but it may not be fully secure. Colby, currently 10th, could strengthen its NPI with potential matchups that include Amherst, Middlebury, or Williams. Wisconsin–Eau Claire, ranked 11th, would also be positioned to climb with a win over top-ranked Wisconsin–River Falls in the WIAC Championship assuming they defeat UW-Stevens Point this weekend.
The Pipers have been led offensively by junior defenseman Abigail Chamernick, who has recorded 11 goals and a team-high 21 assists for 32 points. She also leads the team in blocked shots with 38 and shots with 108. Her 32 points are tied for second nationally among defenders.
In goal, Hamline has utilized a tandem of Kendra Nordick and Harper Powell. Nordick has made 15 starts, while Powell has started 10. Combined, the duo has accumulated 616 saves with a 1.89 goals-against average and a .928 save percentage.
With a spot in the MIAC Championship on the line, this semifinal carries significant weight. Saint Benedict aims to continue its program-best season and reverse the regular-season results, while Hamline looks to protect home ice and reinforce its national positioning. Goaltending depth and special teams could once again play a decisive role.
Saint Benedict travels to St. Paul for a 3:00 p.m. CT puck drop at TRIA Rink on Saturday, with a trip to the MIAC Championship on the line.
