RIVER FALLS, Wis. – The Bethel University women's hockey team was defeated 3-1 by No. 4 ranked Wisconsin-River Falls Friday night. The Falcons controlled possession much of the game and outshot the Royals 38-15 in the matchup of two of the top teams in NCAA Division III. The Royals, who are the top team in the receiving votes category in the latest USCHO.com Top 10 poll, lost for the first time this season after sweeping Wisconsin-Eau Claire last weekend.

The Falcons were able to score first, at 12:24 in the first period, to take the early lead. Bethel struck back at 13:12 in the second period as the Royals used a power play to tie the game up. Caroline Kivisto scored with assists to Lindsay Burman and Erin Harper. UWRF scored twice within the first seven minutes of the third period however, to pull away for the 3-1 victory.

Michelle Klimstra made 35 saves in the net for Bethel, including 16 in the third period alone. Bethel was 1-4 on the power play while UWRF was 0-2 despite getting off six shots in the two power plays combined.

The Royals will return home for a Saturday matinee with the Falcons. The game is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. from Bethel University Arena at the National Sports Center.