Box Score

BLAINE, Minn. – The Bethel University women's hockey team pulled out a tight 2-1 victory over the visiting Hamline University Pipers Friday night. Lindsay Burman scored the game winning goal for Bethel midway through the third period. A Bethel penalty in the final minute of play gave the Pipers a two-man advantage after pulling goalie. A pair of critical saves by Erika Allen and the Royals defense preserved the Bethel win.

"It was a hard fought game," said Bethel head coach Brian Carlson. "Luckily we were able to score a couple goals and win the game. The hard work paid off."

Caroline Kivisto got the Royals on the board first halfway through the first period, her sixth goal of the season. Karissa Thomson assisted Kivisto. Five minutes later, Hamline's Jordan Verleye, the reigning MIAC Athlete of the Week, converted a breakaway into a goal to tie the game up. It was Verleye's sixth goal of the year also. The game remained tied at one through the second period as the two teams combined for just nine shots in the second. Burman and the Royals were able to take advantage of a power play at 8:44 in what was the game winner. Erin Harper assisted Burman. For the game the Royals had five power plays, converting on just the final one. Hamline was 0-3 on their power plays.

Bethel outshot Hamline 23-15 in the defensive battle. Erika Allen made 14 saves for Bethel.

The win improved Bethel to 5-2 overall and 3-1 in the MIAC. Hamline fell to 2-6-1 and 0-3-1 in the MIAC. The Royals and Pipers will square off tomorrow at 2 p.m. Saturday afternoon at Warner Coliseum in St. Paul.