ST. PAUL - The Bethel University women's hockey team scored one goal in each period in Thursday's series opening 3-1 win at St. Catherine's University. Lauren Kolak scored the first two goals while Wendy Roberts scored the other with Erika Geary assisting on all three Bethel scores.

Lauren Kolak's first score of the night was the first score of the game as Bethel took the 1-0 lead midway through the first period. The Wildcats were able to tie it up just 27 seconds into the second period but Kolak would give the Royals the lead back at 13:30 in the second period with her second goal of the game and the season. The dynamic junior forward had missed the first two weeks of the season due to injury and made the biggest impact since her return in Thursday's contest, firing off seven shots, including four in the first period. Wendy Roberts then sealed the game for Bethel with her second goal of the season at 13:12 in the third period. Erika Geary earned her third assist of the night on the play as she was able to knock the puck away from a Wildcats defender to Roberts who finished. Maggie Straka made 25 saves in net for Bethel, improving her goals-against average to fourth best in the MIAC at 1.47.

Bethel will wrap up MIAC play for the rest of 2015 with the rematch taking place Friday night in Bethel University Arena at 7 p.m. The victory improved the Royals to 2-1-2 in the MIAC and their six points place them alone in third place as the rest of the league will be in action tonight and Saturday. St. Kate's fell to 0-5 in the MIAC.