BOX SCORE
Winona, Minn. – The Bethel University women's hockey team squared off against Saint Mary's University Friday evening in the SMU Ice Arena and played from behind yet again, as two goals in the third period helped the Royal's tie the Cardinals in the second-to-last regular season contest. Despite a tie, BU still managed to secure a spot in the MIAC postseason by gaining a point in the standings. Elsewhere around the league St. Thomas and St. Olaf were victorious, which locked all five teams in place going into the final day of the regular season.
A power play goal put the Cardinals on the board first, as Sheree Haslemore delivered her first goal of the season halfway through the second period. Following the break between the second and third frame,
Charise Kendrick (So., Scandia, Minn.) helped even the game at the 3:01 mark in the third period on an even-manned goal that was set up by
Anna Carlson (Sr., Roseville, Minn.) and
Cristina Masten (So., Fergus Falls, Minn.). The Carlson assist helps the senior defenseman lead the league in defenseman scoring with 24 points.
SMU scored again two minutes later on another power play goal to give the hosting Cardinals the 2-1 advantage.
Kalie Johnson (Fr., Richfield, Minn.) sent the equalizer through the net with just over 12 minutes remaining, however, which led to the eventual 2-2 tie. Johnson's even strength goal, assisted by
Biz Huss (Jr., Beaver Bay, Minn.), was her 11th of the season, which places her third in scoring among all freshmen and fourth in goals scored.
Bethel barely outshot Saint Mary's Friday evening 27-26. Huss was a shot machine, posting a team season high eight shots throughout the three 20-minute periods and overtime. Kendrick added an additional four.
Jess Newstrom (Jr., Cambridge, Minn.) posted 24 saves in the 65 minutes of play, allowing just two goals. Newstrom has climbed the rankings among goalies in the goals against average category, as the junior out of Cambridge, Minn. now ranks fourth with a 2.18 GAA.
The Royals will play its final game of the regular season Saturday afternoon in game two of the two-day double header against Saint Mary's University at the Bethel University Arena in Blaine, Minn. BU, who is currently in fourth place, has an opportunity to jump into third should the Tommies lose Saturday and the Royals win – which would give Bethel an extra period of rest. The puck is set to drop today at 4 p.m.
