Box Score

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Steve Eastman (Sr., Edina, Minn.) scored the game winning goal to put Bethel up 4-3, and then Matt Hall (Sr., Brooklyn Park, Minn.) scored with just over five minutes remaining to seal a 5-3 victory for the Royals.  The win puts Bethel in sole possession of first place, as the Royals and Pipers were tied coming into tonight's game.

Bethel got on the board first when Christian Fogerty (Fr., Forest Lake, Minn.) scored his 10th goal of the season on a power play opportunity with the help of Brett Kettelkamp (Jr., Richfield, Minn.) and Jeff Balvin (Sr., Maple Grove, Minn.). 

Hamline came back to tie the score within three minutes when Chris Berenguer scored with the help of Austin Tavis.

The tie was short-lived as Kyle Dynan, who sustained a minor injury just two weeks ago against Gustavus, scored his second goal of the season.  Hall and Brad Peterson (Jr., Bloomington, Minn.) were credited with the assist.

But before the period came to an end, the Pipers took advantage of a power play.  Joe Long scored with just over seven minutes to play to knot the game up at 2-2.

Balvin scored the lone goal of the second period, his 10th of the season, with the help of Kent Bostrom (Jr., Vadnais Heights, Minn.) and Bill Menozzi (Sr., Lakeville, Minn.) at the 5:40 mark to put the Royals up 3-2 heading into the final period.

Hamline got on the board quickly in the third, tying the game for the third time when Nick Zilka scored his fourth goal of the season for the Pipers.

However, Hamline would score no more as Eastman scored with 8:21 remaining.  Eric Adams (Jr., Litchfield, Minn.) and Balvin got the assist, giving Balvin three points on the night.  Matt Hall then scored his third goal in as many games with the help of Dan Bonne (Sr., White Bear Lake, Minn.) to solidify the 5-3 win.

Bethel improves to 12-5-2 overall and 7-3-1 in the MIAC with the win.  Hamline slides to third place at 10-5-3 overall and 6-2-1 in the conference.  The same two teams will face off against each other tomorrow night at Bethel University Arena in Blaine, Minn., at 7 p.m.