Box Score

BLAINE, Minn. - The Bethel Royals had their home opener spoiled by the visiting Adrian College Bulldogs today 2-1 in overtime today. The game featured some very physical moments, some very exciting moments, and even a very scary moment.

First, let's get to the physical part. In the first period alone, there were a total of eight penalties - five for Adrian and three for Bethel. Both teams had the opportunity to skate with a two-person advantage at one point in the period, but neither team was able to capitalize on the scoreboard. It wasn't until the 17:57 mark of the second period that three-time All-MIAC forward Bethany Murphy-Aultman (Sr., Grand Rapids, Minn.) scored her second goal in as many games with the help of Sandra Felten (Sr., Cashton, Wis.). Felten's streak of games with at least one point is now at 12.

Unfortunately, it would be the only goal Bethel scored today. That's not to say that there weren't other scoring opportunities. Kassy Sullivan (So., Roseville, Minn.) finished the game with four shots on goal, and two of them induced a great deal of excitement from the crowd. With a two-on-one advantage, Sullivan forced Bulldog goalie Dana Timm to make a spectacular save.  Later on in the game, one of Sullivan's shots hit the goalpost and bounced back into play.

Adrian tied the game at 1-1 6:20 into the third period, and then scored 45 seconds into the overtime period to come away with the win. But perhaps the scariest moment of the game occurred late in the third period when Bulldog skater Andrea Soloko fell to the ice after chasing a loose puck, and remained down for nearly 20 minutes until medical crewmembers arrived.

Despite the loss, Goaltender Nicole Jones (Fr., Mora, Minn.) made her debut in front of the net today and was very sharp, making 33 saves during the game.

The Royals are now 0-2 early in the season, while the Bulldogs improve to 3-0. Bethel is scheduled to host Robert Morris College next Friday at home beginning at 6:45 p.m. for their next game.