Box Score

NORTHFIELD, Minn. – The Bethel University women's soccer team put up a valiant effort but fell just short in their first appearance in the MIAC playoffs, falling 3-1 at Carleton College. The Knights used a pair of goals from Ava Lewis in the first half, and added another late in the second, while holding off several Bethel threats in the second half to take the victory. Carleton, the No. 3 seed, will travel to Moorhead tomorrow to take on Concordia College while the Royals season comes to a close.

Lewis headed in the first goal for Carleton at 8:53 in the first half and added another goal at 31:16. The game remained 2-0 until Bethel was able to break through with a goal at 73:20 in the second half. Senior's Jessica Huseby and Blythe Whealy teamed up to get one in the back of the net following a Bethel corner. For Whealy it was her third goal this season. The assist for Huseby increased her career point total to 63, leaving her alone in fifth place on Bethel's all-time list.

The Royals threatened a couple more times, including a near miss off another corner kick, but were unable to capitalize. Following a Bethel corner and another shot on goal, Carleton was able to make a run and scored their third goal with just under nine minutes remaining. The Royals were able to get off a pair of good shots in the final minutes but were not able to score and saw their six game winning streak and season come to an end.

Carleton outshot Bethel 13-6 in the game but just 6-4 in shots on goal. Micale Jensen made three saves and fought off several other Carleton scoring chances.

"For a first playoff game against a very good Carleton team we fought hard," said Royals coach Amanda Maxwell. "We came out a little timid but found our pace in the second half and played a good game. It was fun to have senior Blythe Whealy score a great goal. I am so proud of this team. To have the start we did and make a complete turnaround to finish how we did is a great accomplishment. I told the seniors today that they left a legacy on this program. They made history. For the underclassmen, this is the start of taking us to the postseason each year."

The game was the final in the careers of four Bethel seniors; Christa Heiligenthal, Olivia Haggerty, Jessica Huseby and Blythe Whealy. The Royals conclude their season with a 7-9-3 record.