Box Score

BLAINE, Minn. – The Bethel University women's hockey team, behind a strong defensive effort, got themselves back in the win column with a 2-0 victory over Saint Mary's. The Royals, who are averaging over three and a half goals per game, were once again held well below their average by Saint Mary's and reigning MIAC Women's Hockey Athlete-of-the-Week in goaltender Sarah Gustafson. Saturday, however, a pair of goals was enough for the Royals to split the series with the Cardinals for the fifth time in the last six years. Bethel boasts five of the top six scorers in the MIAC, but none of them registered a goal as Lauren Kolak scored her first collegiate goal and Karly Vohden scored her second for Bethel. MIAC scoring leader Cristina Masten tallied an assist along with Jill Larson and Kolak. Erika Allen made 15 saves to post the shutout, her second of the year.

The Royals first goal of the game, and the first of Lauren Kolak's young career, came 15:30 into the first period. Jill Larson assisted. The Royals then scored again on a power play just 1:21 into the second period when Vohden scored her second collegiate goal from Masten and Kolak. Bethel was 1-4 on power play opportunities while the Cardinals were 0-3. The Royals managed double digit shots in only the second period as they were held to a total of just 19 in the game, one night after firing 40 times. Saint Mary's entered the game second in the MIAC in shots but were only able to get off 15 themselves and no more than six in a period.

Bethel remains solidly in third place in the MIAC standings with the win, three points behind second place St. Thomas and three points ahead of fourth place St. Catherine's. The Royals improved their record to 10-3-2 and 6-2 in the MIAC. Saint Mary's fell to 5-9-1 and 3-5. Bethel will face St. Olaf College next weekend with the Friday night matchup in Northfield, Minnesota and Saturday at home at the Bethel University Arena.