Blaine, Minn. – Bethel University utilized a goal in the opening period, two in the second, and one more in the final frame on its way to a 4-1 route over Hamline University Friday night. With the win BU has now won two in a row and sits at 3-3-2 (2-3-0 MIAC), but will now test its win-streak on the road in its next three matchups.
The Royals grabbed a 1-0 lead in the first period when Kalie Johnson (Fr., Richfield, Minn.) tipped a pass from Rachael Geng (Sr., South Saint Paul, Minn.) into the back of the Piper net at the six-minute mark. The power play goal was Johnson's fourth goal of the season and second in as many games. At the end of the frame BU had fired five more shots than Hamline, claiming the 12-7 shot advantage.
Bethel's women's ice team increased its lead after the second 20-minute timeframe, going into the locker room with a 3-1 lead. Hamline evened the score three minutes into the period when Brittney Dwire put the puck in the top shelf of the net from below the hash marks, tying the contest at one a-piece. The Royals snatched its second lead of the game with less than eight minutes to play in the second when Kate Wahlin (Jr., Lakeville, Minn.) connected on a rebound from an Anna Carlson (Sr., Roseville, Minn.) shot that was also assisted by Sarah Kartak (Jr., Lakeville, Minn.). From there the Bethel never surrendered its lead. In fact, BU continued to push the puck towards the Piper net and managed its third goal of the game with less than two minutes remaining in the period. Biz Huss (Jr., Beaver Bay, Minn.) capitalized on a Kalie Johnson and Molly Eagles (Jr., Falcon Heights, Minn.) pass right in front of the net, enabling her to score her third goal of the year.
Biz Huss scored again in the third period with less than a minute to play in the contest when the Pipers pulled its goalie in an attempt to cut into the BU lead. Huss's goal was part of a ten shot total for the Royals, helping Bethel finish with 35 shots throughout Friday evening's competition.
Kate Wahlin and Anna Carlson both manufactured five shots towards the HU net, closely followed by Cristina Masten (So., Fergus Falls, Minn.) and Cali Miller (Jr., Lakeville, Minn.), who each tallied four.
Jess Newstrom returned to the BU net after a period of illness that kept her from competing. Throughout the battle, Newstrom allowed just one goal and saved nineteen oncoming shots. Newstrom has yet to lose in the 2011-12 campaign, with a record of 2-0-1.
The Royals hit the ice tomorrow night as they face Hamline yet again in Saint Paul, Minn. Bethel has a chance to improve its record above .500 in tomorrow evenings affair.
