Three different Saints scored, as the eighth-ranked St. Lawrence University women's hockey team opened the 2024-25 season with a 3-0 win over Merrimack in a Friday morning game at Lawler Rink.

St. Lawrence moved to 1-0-0 on the season, while Merrimack fell to 0-1-0.

"It was a great way to start off the 50th year season with a win on the road," said head coach Chris Wells. "We had a good jump early, especially for such a non traditional game time start. It is always fun this time of the year watching the new players blend in and the returners take on new roles."

First-year Alexia Côté got the scoring started as she threaded the needle short side, beating Merrimack goaltender Calli Hogarth over the shoulder, for her first collegiate goal in Scarlet and Brown at 9:58 of the first period. Sarah Marchand and Claire Tyo notched assists on the action. 

At the end of one, St. Lawrence led 12-4 in shots on goal.

Taylor Lum tried to give the Saints the go-ahead goal with a one-on-one opportunity, but Hogarth denied the five-hole shot.

SLU alumna and graduate student at Merrimack - Rachel Bjorgan '24 tried to find the equalizer for the Warriors as she went one-on-one with Saints' goaltender Emma-Sofie Nordström, but Nordström was up to the task with the save.

The second frame remained scoreless, as the Saints shot lead moved up to 23-11.

At 12:40 of the third period, Côté then notched her first assist, as she dished the puck up from the Saints' goal line to Abby Hustler. Hustler then fed Aly McLeod, who tipped the puck past Hogarth for the 2-0 lead.

With about two minutes to play, Merrimack pulled Hogarth for the extra attacker, but a turnover in the Warriors zone allowed Anna Segedi to score her first of the season with an empty net tally for the 3-0 final. Hustler and McLeod both assisted on the play. 

Nordström finished with 24 saves and recorded her first shutout of the season, while Hogarth made 25 saves for the Warriors.

"Emma was very solid in the net and bailed us out on the good chances Merrimack had," Wells added. "Rachel and Gabi made this game even more enjoyable as we were able to compete against two former players. We will button a few things up as we get ready to host the defending National Champs next weekend!"

St. Lawrence finished with a 28-24 edge in shots on goal. Neither team was able to capitalize on the power play, as the Saints went 0-for-1 and Merrimack went 0-for-2.

The Saints will host reigning national champs No. 1 Ohio State for a home series October 4-5. Game times are scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday and 3 p.m. on Saturday.