Lindenwood Women’s Hockey: A Season of Firsts and a Promising Future
The Lindenwood Lions women’s hockey team saw their 2025-2026 season finish in a heartbreaking double-overtime loss to Mercyhurst in the AHA Semifinal round, finishing with a final score of 3-2. Despite the defeat, the season was marked by significant achievements and sets the stage for continued growth.
Gundersen’s Standout Performance and the Rise of Offensive Talent
Forward Silje Gundersen was a driving force for the Lions throughout the playoffs, scoring both goals in the semifinal game and leading the team with six shots on goal. Her performance highlights a growing offensive capability within the Lindenwood program.
Gundersen opened the scoring just 23 seconds into the game, giving Lindenwood an early lead. She extended that lead in the second period, assisted by Josey Dunne-Weeks. The team’s reliance on Gundersen’s offensive contributions underscores the importance of developing a diverse scoring roster.
Record-Breaking Season and Program Milestones
This season wasn’t just about individual performances; it was a period of unprecedented success for the Lindenwood program. The Lions achieved a program record of 14 wins, surpassing previous benchmarks. They similarly secured a program-best 11 conference wins, demonstrating their competitiveness within the Atlantic Hockey America (AHA) conference.
Lindenwood also celebrated a historic playoff victory – their first in nearly a decade – and the first-ever home playoff win in program history. These milestones signal a turning point for the team and a growing ability to compete at a higher level.
Looking Ahead: A Young Core Poised for Success
The future of Lindenwood women’s hockey appears bright, anchored by a promising group of young forwards. Tatiana Blichova, Michaela Paulinyova, Silje Gundersen, and Paige Cline are expected to lead the charge next season.
Goaltender Madison Bowtell also proved her worth, delivering a career-high 40 saves in the semifinal game against Mercyhurst. Developing consistent goaltending will be crucial for sustained success.
FAQ
Q: What was Lindenwood’s final record for the 2025-2026 season?
A: 14-22-2.
Q: Who scored the goals for Lindenwood in the AHA Semifinal game?
A: Silje Gundersen scored both goals.
Q: How many saves did Madison Bowtell make in the semifinal game?
A: 40 saves, a career high.
Q: What is the outlook for the Lindenwood women’s hockey team next season?
A: The team is expected to build on this season’s momentum, led by a strong core of young forwards.
Did you know? Lindenwood’s 14 wins this season represent a new program record, demonstrating significant progress and a growing competitive edge.
Pro Tip: Focusing on special teams (power play and penalty kill) can be a game-changer in close contests like the AHA Semifinal. Improving conversion rates on power plays could have altered the outcome of the game.
Stay updated on Lindenwood Lions Women’s Hockey by visiting the official Lindenwood Athletics website for news, schedules, and more.
