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ST. PETER, Minn. – The Bethel University women's hockey team went on the road to No. 7 ranked Gustavus Adolphus College and pulled out a 4-2 victory to clinch a spot in the MIAC playoffs for the fifth consecutive year. Led by Kathryn Larson's hat trick, the Royals beat the MIAC regular season champion Gusties for the second straight year in St. Peter. The win guarantees the Royals a game next week and currently moves them into fourth place, which would come with a first round home game. Bethel also sits just one point out of third place which would secure a first round bye.

The Royals struck first with the games first goal by Caroline Kivisto midway through the first period. Seniors Lindsay Burman and Kalie Johnson assisted Kivisto. Gustavus responded just a minute-and-a-half later however, tying the game at 1-1. It would remain that way until Larson scored her first goal late in the second period, giving the Royals a 2-1 advantage heading into the third period. A Gustavus power play goal midway through the third period brought the Gusties back even with the Royals at 2-2 with just nine minutes to play. Kathryn Larson then took over as she scored an unassisted goal with seven minutes remaining to give the Royals the lead; then tacked on with an empty net goal with just over a minute remaining for the hat trick and the 4-2 final score.

The Royals scored their four goals on just 11 shots. Michelle Klimstra made 22 saves for Bethel. The Royals were 0-2 on the power play while Gustavus was 1-3.

Bethel will wrap up the series with Gustavus, and the regular season, Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. at Bethel University Arena.