Box Score

BLAINE, Minn. - When a team fires 69 shots in one game, chances are at least one, if not a couple will go in for a goal.  Unfortunately for the Royals, they were not the ones taking target practice, and fell to the #5 nationally ranked Gusties 3-0 at home tonight.

Two-time All-MIAC goalie Beth Spurrier (Jr., Plymouth, Minn.) set two new records for Bethel this evening - most shots faced in a game (69), and most saves in a game (66).  Spurrier broke her own record of 54 saves in a game, a feat she recorded nearly a year ago against Gustavus as well.

Bethel and Gustavus skated to a 0-0 tie after one period as the Royals only managed to get two shots on goal in the twenty minutes.  Sandra Felten (Jr., Cashton, Wis.) perhaps had one of the best opportunities for Bethel to score on the night, but had her breakaway shot attempt blocked by Gustavus goalie Breanna Scavo.

In the second period, Gustavus received two penalties within a minute of each other, giving Bethel a two-person advantage.  However, the Royals were unable to capitalize.  Both Bethel and Gustavus were unable to score any goals on power plays thanks to strong defense on both sides of the puck.  The Royals were able to kill off five penalties with Spurrier making 19 saves during the 10 minutes.

The Gusties got on the board with just 1:19 remaining in the second period when Sara Yunger scored with the help of Linda Evans.  The goal turned out to be all Gustavus would need for the victory.

In the third period, Mari Gunderson scored back to back goals for the Gusties in the span of less than a minute and a half, putting the game out of reach.

The loss drops the Royals to 3-4 in MIAC play and 6-6-1 overall.  The defending MIAC champion Gusties improve to 7-0 in the conference and 12-1 overall.  The two teams will face off again tomorrow afternoon at 2 p.m. in St. Peter.  Bethel is still looking for their first team win over Gustavus as they are now 0-17 in head to head competition.