RITTEN, Italy - Tara Bach was selected to compete for the Germany U18s for the third time since she started her freshman year at Mercyhurst. The Germans competed in the IIHF U18 Women's World Championship in Division I, which is just one tier below the top division. Bach was named the Goaltender of the Tournament after she posted a .947 save percentage, 0.99 goals allowed average, made 91 total saves, and secured a shutout in their five games played. 
 
The tournament featured six teams including Germany, Japan, France, Italy, Denmark, and Norway. Germany went 4-1-0 with 13 points to place first. Germany's only loss was in game one where Bach made 22 saves and fell in overtime to France, 2-1. Japan was the tournament's runner-up with 12 points and had a pair of dominant performances where they scored 10 or more goals. They beat every team except for Germany. Bach had a standout performance against a strong Japan team. She posted 18 saves, allowed just one goal, and was named the player of the game as the Germans won 2-1. 
 
Another standout performance was the game against Norway yesterday afternoon. Bach recorded 21 saves and kept a shutout to secure the gold medal for her team. Germany U18's gold medal means they will be promoted to the top division for the next IIHF U18 World Cup Tournament, which features teams such as Canada, Sweden, and the U.S. 
 
In December's Four Nations tournament, Bach faced 48 shots on goal, made 46 saves, and allowed just two goals. Her .958 save percentage led all netminders who competed, which led to her being tabbed as goaltender of the tournament for that competition as well.
 
Bach has played in six games for the Lakers this season and started in five. Her first start was against New Hampshire in September where she made 25 saves and recorded her first career shutout. Her second shutout came at home against Delaware in November. The Laker's freshman netminder has 87 saves, a .946 save percentage, a 4-1-0 record, and a 1.08 goals allowed average. She also was named Goaltender of the Week after the Laker's sweep of Lindenwood a few weeks ago. 
 
To view the Germany U18 press release from their promotion-securing game, click here. 
 
To view the full standings from the tournament, click here.