BLAINE, Minn. – The Bethel University women's hockey team fought back from a late 2-0 deficit to tie St. Thomas 2-2.  The Royals very nearly pull out the win on several occasions, late in the third period and overtime, but were just unable to get the game winning goal.

Bethel put 12 shots on goal in the first period, just missing on several outstanding opportunities, while St. Thomas had just six but neither team scored. The Tommies scored the games first two goals in the third period at 5:36 and then again six minutes later. The Royals caught the spark they needed when Caroline Kivisto picked off a UST pass in their own zone and fired one into the upper corner for an unassisted goal, snapping a scoring drought of over eight periods for Bethel. Lauren Kolak then tied the game up for Bethel with a spectacular play to avoid a defender and then beat the Tommies goalie to make it 2-2 with just over five minutes remaining. The Royals were awarded a penalty shot two minutes later but came up empty. The rest of the game was physical and saw multiple penalties called on both teams but neither was able to score.

Michelle Klimstra made 22 saves in net for Bethel while the Royals put 29 shots on goal for the game. Bethel was unable to take advantage of any of the six power plays they had in the game while St. Thomas was 1-3.

The Royals will square off with Saint Benedict next weekend as they look to stay alive in the race for the MIAC playoffs.