Box Score

BLAINE, Minn. - For three periods, the Bethel Royals and Saint Benedict Blazers played a relatively even game in terms of statistics. The score was tied 1-1, the shots on goal favored Bethel somewhat, both teams had been penalized six times, and neither team claimed any real advantage in winning face-offs.. But it was 3:46 into the overtime that the the Blazers pulled ahead in the only statistic that counts at games end, and that's the score. Jennifer Yelle scored with the help of Stephanie Kendri and Andrea Parsons to win the game for Saint Benedict 2-1.

Yelle also had a hand in putting the Blazers out on top 1-0 when she and Kerri Graske assisted Amie Ernst less than six minutes into the second period.

But after being outshot 13-7 in the first period, Bethel put immense pressure on Saint Benedict by firing 13 shots on goal in the second period. One of those shots found its way into the net to tie the game at one apiece. Olivia Paulseth (Fr., Duluth, Minn.) scored her first collegiate goal with just 48 seconds remaining in the second period. Kelsea Martalock (So., Tomah, Wis.) and Kassy Sullivan (So., Roseville, Minn.) were credited with the assist on the goal, and the Royals headed into the third period with some momentum.

In the third period, Bethel held nothing back as they outshot Saint Benedict 18-6, but alas, had nothing to show for it on the scoreboard. Beth Spurrier (Sr., Plymouth, Minn.) did all she could by stopping 31 of Saint Benedict's 33 shots.

For Bethel, the overtime loss is their third this season and their fourth overall as they are now 2-4 with an MIAC record of 2-1. Saint Benedict improves to 2-1 in the conference as well while holding an overall record of 4-1. The two teams are scheduled to face off against each other again for the second game of their season series tomorrow afternoon at 2 p.m. at the Municipal Athletic Complex in St. Cloud, Minn.