BLAINE, Minn. – Bethel University brought its broomstrick this weekend with the two-game sweep over the College of Saint Benedict after defeating the Blazers 4-2 Saturday. The Royals took the 1-0 lead in the first period, but two consecutive goals by Saint Benedict found BU down 2-1 heading into the final frame. Bethel then manufactured three unaswered goals in the third to capture the 4-2 victory.
Casie Ecklund (So., Twig, Minn.) started the game with her first goal of the season 5:25 into the opening frame with a stripe from 30 feet out that clipped the net just above the CSB shoulder. The Blazers responded with two power play goals in the second 20-minute segment putting Saint Benedict ahead 2-1 going into the final frame.
The Royals silenced the CSB momentum in the third and encouraged the home crowd with three goals in the third period, which included two by
Kate Wahlin (Jr., Lakeville, Minn.) and one by
Kalie Johnson (Fr., Richfield, Minn.). Wahlin's first goal came seven minutes into the frame on a
Sarah Kartak (Jr., Lakeville, Minn.) and
Biz Huss (Jr., Beaver Bay, Minn.) assist. Johnson then scored the go-ahead goal five minutes later on a power play opportunity that was set up by
Cristina Masten (So., Fergus Falls, Minn.) and
Anna Carlson (Fr., Roseville, Minn.). Wahlin then added her second goal of the competition and seventh of the season with three minutes left in the game set up initially by Huss. Huss and Masten both finished the contest with two assists.
Rachael Geng (Sr., South Saint Paul, Minn.) led Bethel in shots today with six, as the team appropriately celebrated “Senior Day”.
Jess Newstrom (Jr., Cambridge, Minn.) finished the showcase with 23 saves.
The win over the Blazers improves Bethel to 9-6-1 within conference play, and perhaps more importantly moves the Royals into third place behind Concordia and Gustavus. The win should also guarantee BU a spot in the postseason.
