Schleper, Americans Hold Off Finland 3-1 In Women’s Hockey

SOCHI, Russia (AP) - Hilary Knight scored 53 seconds into the opener of the Olympic women's hockey tournament Saturday, and Jesse Vetter needed only 14 saves to lead the United States to a 3-1 victory over Finland.

Kelli Stack and Alex Carpenter also scored for the Americans, who avoided a repeat of Finland's upset at the Four Nations Cup in Lake Placid, N.Y., in November. Finnish goalie Noora Raty made 58 saves in that one, but the three-time Olympian could stop just 40 of 43 U.S. shots at the Shayba Ice Arena.

Susanna Tapani scored a power play goal for Finland with 4:38 to play in the game to make it 3-1.

St. Cloud's Anne Schleper played a total of 20:41 minutes in the game.  The defender had four shots on goal, and had one assist.

Next up for Schleper and Team USA, they'll play at 6:00 a.m. our time on Monday against Switzerland.