BLAINE, Minn. – The Bethel University women's hockey team took the series opener by a 4-3 score over the Augsburg College Auggies in a pivotal MIAC series. Three consecutive second period goals by Bethel was the turning point after Augsburg held an early 1-0 lead. The win allows the Royals to overtake the Auggies in the standings heading into Saturday afternoon's matchup as Augsburg entered Friday one point ahead of Bethel in a tie for second place with the Royals in fourth.
Augsburg struck first with a short-handed goal just over five minutes into the game after they were able to intercept a Bethel pass and get behind the defenders. The 1-0 lead for the Auggies, who are off to their best start to a season in the last ten years, held up until
Erika Geary tied the game up for Bethel in the second period.
Sarina Goos got in deep behind the Auggie defenders and put a shot on goal.
Lauren Kolak knocked the rebound off of the Auggie goalie's pads and the puck sat in the middle of the goal crease before
Erika Geary was able to put the puck into the net before it could be knocked away. This was just the start for Bethel as
Wendy Roberts took advantage of some traffic in front of the net and fired one into the top corner at 12:11 in the second to give Bethel a 2-1 lead. Just over two minutes later
Caroline Kivisto punched a loose puck in between the goalies pads to put Bethel up 3-1. Augsburg was able to get a score back before the end of the second period to make it 3-2 heading into the third.
Early on in the third period, Bethel's dynamic freshman
Sarina Goos and
Abby Larson were able to create a two-on-one break and Goos set Larson up beautifully as Larson finished by putting the puck in the upper right corner to give Bethel a two goal cushion. The score proved to be critical as Augsburg scored their final goal with five minutes remaining in the game but were unable to get the equalizer down the stretch.
The win puts Bethel alone in second place in the MIAC standings as they improve to 4-1-2 and 6-5-2 overall. Augsburg falls to 4-2-1 and is now tied for third place with St. Thomas. The series will conclude Saturday night when the two teams faceoff at Augsburg at 7:30 p.m.
