Box Score

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. - With the skies threatening rain at seemingly any minute, the Bethel University Royals held off a Storm of a different kind at the Ona Orth Athletic Complex today. Bethel emerged victorious in their home opener over the visiting Crown College Storm by a score of 3-1.

The game didn't start out in Bethel's favor as Miranda Baltzer scored for the Storm with the help of Stephanie Lally less than six minutes into the game.  However, it didn't take long for Bethel to tie the game at one apiece. Sophie Christiansen (Fr., Portland, Ore.), who is now responsible for three of the Royals four goals thus far, knocked in a shot at close range, thanks to assists by both Kristin Kishaba (Sr., Eau Claire, Wis.) and Esther Sowles (Sr., Waconia, Minn.).

The Royals and Storm remained tied until 15:28 into the second half. That's when Ashley Pound (Fr., Plymouth, Minn.) scored what proved to be the game winning goal, unassisted. Christiansen added an insurance goal with less than three minutes remaining with the help of Katelynn Hains (Jr., Prior Lake, Minn.).

Goalkeeper Charli Sorensen added three more saves to her career total, drawing her nearer to the Bethel record set by Jennie Pulford, who played from 2001-04.

With two early season victories, the Royals have run their unbeaten streak to three games, as they ended last season with a scoreless tie against Saint Mary's. Crown, last year's National Christian College Athletic Association Division II National Champions, drops to 1-1 on their season. The Royals are scheduled to hit the road to take on the University of Minnesota at Morris this Friday at 2 p.m. for their next game.