ST. CLOUD, MInn. - The University of Dubuque women's hockey team held the host Saint Benedict Bennies scoreless in the first period. The Spartans allowed the first goal of the game in a power-play at 12:55 of the second period to enter the final period trailing 0-1. The Bennies scrapped for five even goals in the final period to win 6-0 over UD on Saturday.

The Spartans played great defense through two periods and finished the day with 16 team blocks and were led by Ava Dedrick with four. The hosts defense held the Spartans to just three shots in the loss. Saint Benedict compiled 15 shots in the first, 17 in the second, and 23 in the third period. Natalie Preston took the loss after 60:00 in goal and making 49 saves.The Spartans were whistled for four penalties (two slashing and two tripping) and held court in power-plays with just one goal.

UD won 23 faceoffs and lost 46. Olivia Hodges and Chloe Byma each grabbed 10 faceoff wins as Gracie Hall won three.

The Spartans will enjoy some time away as they begin semester finals on Monday, Dec. 11. UD returns to the ice after the Christmas Holiday on December 29 at Lake Forest College with faceoff scheduled for 3:00 p.m. in Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse. The Spartans will continue action in Lake Forest, Ill. when they play Trine University on December 30 at 12:00 p.m. also being played at Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse.