Box Score Coaches will often tell you that goals in the first and last minute of a period are often keys to victories.

Exhibit A: the Hamline women's hockey team's 3-2 victory over St. Catherine Friday afternoon at Drake Arena. Becca Zarembinski's shorthanded goal in the waning seconds of the second period proved to be the difference as the Pipers improved to 6-1 overall, 4-1 in MIAC play.

As the score indicates, it was a hard fought decision. 

The Pipers outshot the Wildcats, 29-12 but had to hold off a third period rally to gain the victory. 

HU had the better of the play in the first period with a 9-4 edge in shots on goal but left the ice in a scoreless tie. Madison Gaffney broke the ice at 6:28 of the second frame, finishing off a three way play with Annika Patterson and Molly Garin. Garin, the top freshman scorer in the MIAC, set up Katie Carlson for a second tally 37 seconds later. Gaffney was sent off for tripping at 19:16. With time running down, Zarembinski stole a pass and sailed in for her fifth goal of the season at 19:44. 

The 3-0 lead looked large at the time. SCU charged back with a pair of tallies five minutes apart in the third session. HU goalie McKenna Hukslander held firm at the end and the Pipers had their win. Zarembinski and Olivia Arkell led the Piper offense with four shots apiece. 

The two teams have a rematch on Saturday, December 1 at TRIA Rink. Game time is 2:00 p.m.