ARDEN HILLS, Minn. - In the 2010-11 season the Bethel Royals women's hockey team reached new heights by advancing to the MIAC Playoff championship game for the first time in program history.  Head Coach Brian Carlson has hopes and expectations that the team will build on last year's momentum entering the 2011-12 campaign. BU will begin the journey tonight as they travel to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire to face the Blugolds in a 7 p.m. matchup. The Royals then return home Saturday to host UW-Eau Claire for an afternoon affair held at Bethel University Arena in the National Sports Center at 3 p.m.

Coach Carlson is optimistic that his strong core of sophomores and juniors from a year ago will continue to play well together and fill the holes left by Allison Papko and Kassy Sullivan. Papko was Bethel's top point scorer last season with 14 goals, 17 assists and four game-winning goals, including three in conference play. Sullivan was a solid performer all four of her seasons and forced opposing teams to make adjustments because of her speed.

However, the Royals return five players who earned conference awards last season. Defender Anna Carlson (Sr., Roseville, Minn.), forwards Biz Huss (Jr., Beaver Bay, Minn.) and Cristina Masten (Fergus Falls, Minn.), and goaltender Jess Newstrom (Jr., Cambridge, Minn.) each received All-MIAC recognition, while Rachael Geng (Sr., South St. Paul, Minn.) earned an honorable mention. Masten was also named to the six-player All-Rookie team.

Carlson has racked up 48 career points in three years as a defender. Last season, she contributed three goals and 16 assists to Bethel's offense. Huss was Bethel's second-leading scorer with 30 points on 15 goals and 15 assists, while Masten was close behind with 24 points on 14 goals and 10 assists. Newstrom was as solid as they come in the net, recording more than 700 saves, while only allowing 48 goals in 27 games for a 1.76 goals against average.

Haley Toter (Sr., Park Ridge, Ill.) will join the team after the conclusion of the volleyball season to provide additional depth and senior leadership, while several other juniors have significant playing time under their belts to help guide the younger players.

Bethel welcomes a number of first year players to the fold that could potentially make an immediate impact. Forwards Kaylen Erchul (Fr., Gilbert, Minn.), Kalie Johnson (Fr., Richfield, Minn.), Michelle Munsterman (Fr., Brookings, S.D.), and Callie Halvorson (Fr., Cloquet, Minn.) all have strong hockey backgrounds and help make up a promising freshman class.

Overall, the Royals look to continue doing the things that made them successful in 2010-11, which includes playing strong defense and killing off penalties, while capitalizing on opponent miscues and other scoring opportunities.