#1 Lexi Badali – Saint Benedict Hockey. (Photo by Ava Geiman, CSB Athletics Media Relations)
#3 Hamline University Pipers (14-3-0) @ Saint Benedict Bennies (11-3-3)
Friday & Saturday – January 30 / 31 – 6pm / 2:30pm CT
Hamline leads all-time series 25-23-4
This weekend in Division III women’s hockey features one of the top programs in the country as the #3 Hamline University Pipers travel west for a key series not only with huge MIAC implications, but also NPI. Hamline heads to St. Joseph, Minnesota to open a home-and-home set against the Saint Benedict Bennies before the series shifts to Saint Paul.
The Pipers and Bennies have a long history, dating back to December 10, 1999. Hamline holds the all-time edge in the series, but the matchup has remained consistently competitive over the years. The teams meet Friday night at Ritsche Arena with puck drop set for 6:00 p.m. CT, before concluding the series Saturday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. CT at the TRIA Rink.
As the season reaches its back half, Hamline has continued to establish itself as one of the most dominant teams in the nation. Entering the weekend ranked third nationally, the Pipers have outscored their opposition 74 to 23. That success has translated on the road as well, highlighted by a 2-0 trip out east that included a win over then-ranked #6 Endicott along with a victory against UMass-Boston.
Hamline is also coming off a split with second-ranked Augsburg, outscoring the Auggies 8 to 5 across the two-game set. The Pipers are currently on pace for the best season in program history, surpassing their 23-4-3 mark from the 2018-19 campaign that ended in a national championship appearance against SUNY Plattsburgh. Current Head Coach Jake Bobrowski served as an assistant under former Piper head coach Natalie Darwitz during that season.
That historic pace has been driven in large part by a strong tandem in net. Harper Powell and Kendra Nordick have split every start this season and have been outstanding as a unit. Together, they have allowed just 23 goals, posting a collective 1.35 goals-against average and a .937 save percentage, while combining for four shutouts.
Powell has posted the stronger statistical line despite one fewer start. In eight appearances, she owns a 1.05 goals-against average, has allowed just eight goals, and has turned aside 158 shots for a .952 save percentage.
While Hamline’s structure and depth have fueled its success, discipline has emerged as an area to monitor. A recent stretch of undisciplined play has caused issues for the Pipers, and tightening that area will be important as the postseason approaches.
On the other side, playing shorthanded is nothing new for Saint Benedict. The Bennies have long embraced a physical and/or aggressive-style, currently averaging 9.24 penalty minutes per game, a mark that reflects their identity and approach.
That style has not slowed their progress. Behind a strong first half, Saint Benedict has begun receiving votes in both the DIIIHockeyNews.com and USCHO.com polls and is on pace for its best season since 1999, when the program recorded a program-high 14 wins.
Since taking over the program, Head Coach Lindsay Macy has overseen a clear cultural turnaround. In just her third season, Macy has already tied the program record with three 10-plus win seasons, matching the mark for consistency in Saint Benedict history.
Much like Hamline, the Bennies are anchored by strong play in net. Freshman Lexi Badali has emerged as the primary option in a four-goalie rotation, earning the majority of the starts this season. In 11 appearances, Badali has logged 670 minutes with a 1.61 goals-against average and a .940 save percentage. She has allowed just 18 goals while stopping 284 shots and owns a team-best 7-2-2 record. One of those performances included a shutout against St. Olaf in just her third career game.
With two teams trending toward historic seasons, this weekend’s series presents a contrast in style and discipline. Hamline enters with national positioning and momentum, while Saint Benedict continues its push toward the top 15 picture and a coveted MIAC playoff spot. Special teams could play a significant role as both sides look to manage recent penalty troubles. The Pipers and Bennies open the series Friday night at 6:00 p.m. CT in St. Joseph before closing Saturday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. CT in Saint Paul.
