The Gophers (1-0) opened up their season with another ceremonial banner raising against Lindenwood (0-1) at home and won easily, defeating the Lions 3-0.

Minnesota busted the game wide open in the second period by scoring all three of their goals. Sophomore forward Sarah Potomak, junior forward Cara Piazza, and senior defenseman/forward Megan Wolfe all recorded their first goals of the year.

Redshirt junior goalie Sidney Peters had a shutout in her first career start, getting 10 saves.

As a team, Minnesota amassed 11 shots on goal in the first period, and was held in check after a slashing penalty by senior forward Dani Cameranesi late in the period. Lindenwood were only able to get two shots on goal, both of which were saved by Peters.

The second period is where the Gophers shined. They scored almost immediately from the outset of the first faceoff. Potomak found the back of the net just 1:28 into the period and was assisted by Cameranesi.

Minnesota scored again in the period, with a close-range rocket from Piazza 12:43 in, prompting sieve chants directed towards the Lindenwood goalie from the Minnesota student section. Piazza’s goal was assisted by redshirt senior defenseman Lee Stecklein.

Wolfe launched a goal in from just inside the blue line to put Minnesota up 3-0 only sixteen seconds before the horn. The goal was assisted by senior defenseman/forward Kelsey Cline and junior forward Caitlin Reilly.

The Gophers saw less attacking prowess in the third period, but continued to stymie the Lindenwood offense on defense. Stecklein held together the back line all period, keeping shots away. Even when the occasional shot did slip through, Peters was there to stop it, ensuring a shutout.

Lindenwood fell behind in shots 30-10 on the match. Minnesota led in faceoff wins 26-16, as well as killing two penalties and holding on to the shutout.

Minnesota will face Lindenwood again Saturday, at 2:07 p.m. at Ridder Arena.