ST. PAUL, Minn. - In their first game of the 2020-21 season, the Hamline University women's hockey team (1-0) came ready to play, defeating Concordia Wisconsin (2-4) by a score of 7-0 at TRIA Rink in downtown St. Paul.
 
Sophomore Sophie Rausch provided an offensive spark in the game picking up right where she left off a year ago. She tallied her first career hat trick in the win, while also adding an assist to lead all scorers with four points. Last season, Rausch ranked third in the MIAC in scoring, coming in only behind two of her teammates.
 
First year Emme Nelson had a collegiate debut to remember, scoring twice for the Pipers, and junior Molly Garin tallied three assists throughout the game. Senior Olivia Arkell also recorded multiple points, with a goal and an assist on the night.
 
As a team, Hamline held a dominant 46-11 shot advantage, while also winning 40 of the 59 faceoffs. In net, sophomore transfer Ava Bailey deflected all 11 shots that came her way to earn her first win and shutout as a Piper.
 
Rausch got the scoring going early for the Pipers, making a move around the goalie to score in the first three minutes of the game. She was assisted by first year Ally Steffensmeier. The Piper offense was quiet for the rest of the period, but Nelson would get both of her goals in the second frame to extend Hamline's lead to 3-0 after the first 40 minutes of play. Nelson's first goal was assisted by both Rausch and Garin, but her second goal was a solo tally, as she intercepted a pass from the Falcons and finished off the play with a goal.
 
In the third period, the HU offense would score four more times to put the game out of reach. First year Ashley Mills started the final period scoring, taking passes from sophomore Madison Davis and Arkell to score. Rausch would get the next two goals (one off a power play), completing her hat trick and Arkell would round out the scoring 13 minutes into the period.
 
Garin assisted both of Rausch's goals in the period, with sophomore Elizabeth Valley getting in on the second of the Rausch goals as well. Arkell was aided by first year Sydney Lemke and sophomore Michaela Arnold.
 
The Pipers will compete again tomorrow, taking on Saint Benedict in a non-conference matchup at TRIA Rink. Game time is 2:00 p.m. Live stat and video links are available on the schedule page.