ALEXANDRIA, Minn. – The Bethel University women's hockey team defeated the Concordia College Cobbers 4-3 in an overtime thriller in a non-conference, neutral site contest. The Royals never led until the final game winning goal by Megan Niblock, just 45 seconds into overtime. The game was played in Alexandria, Minnesota, approximately half way in between the two schools campuses, as part of a weekend celebration of women's hockey in Alexandria. A large contingent of youth hockey players from the area were in attendance and treated to an autograph session following the game with both Bethel and Concordia players.

The Cobbers struck first in the game with an unassisted goal by Kelsey Vandergrift just 1:36 into the first period. The game would remain at 1-0 through the first period as the two teams combined for just nine shots on goal, six by Concordia, in the first period. Bethel came out strong to start the second period and tied it up 5:50 in, when Lindsay Burman scored from Hadley Cookson and Caroline Kivisto. The Cobbers took the lead back however, just three minutes later, when a Royals turnover created a breakaway for Jess Nelson who beat Michelle Klimstra and scored for the 2-1 lead. The Royals were able to even it back up again at 16:40 in the second, when Kathryn Larson converted on a Bethel power play. Erin Harper and Wendy Roberts assisted Larson. The game would remain 2-2 heading into the third period. Both teams were also deadlocked at 13 shots a piece after the second period, with Bethel firing 10 times in the frame.

Despite a pair of power play opportunities in the first half of the third period for Bethel, Concordia struck first with a goal at 9:32 to take a 3-2 lead with just over ten minutes remaining. To make matters worse for Bethel, the Royals were called for a hooking penalty on the score, giving Concordia a power play as well. Bethel was able to kill of the Cobber power play though, as Concordia was 0-3 on the day in that category. At 14:36 in the third senior Kalie Johnson scored for the Royals to bring the game back to a draw once again. Natalie Simons assisted Johnson. Bethel had another chance late in the game as they went on a power play with just 1:30 remaining in the game but were unable to get the game winner in regulation giving the fans at the Runestone Community Center extra hockey. Overtime began with Bethel still on the power play and the Royals looked to strike fast. Niblock was able to net her first collegiate goal just 45 seconds into the extra frame, giving Bethel their first lead of the game and the victory. Karly Vohden set Niblock up on the play.

The win sends the Royals into their semester break on a four game winning streak as they are now 7-3-1 overall. Concordia fell to 2-7. For Bethel, Lindsay Burman, Caroline Kivisto and Kathryn Larson all had one point each to remain in a three way tie for second place in the MIAC with 12 points. Kalie Johnson stayed just behind them with a point on her goal to bring her season total up to 11. Maggie Straka was credited with the win in goal for Bethel, coming in mid-way through the second period, and allowing just one Cobber goal. She improved to 4-0 on the season.

Bethel will return to action when the host the University of Wisconsin-Superior on Friday, January 9th at the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minnesota.