ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The Bethel University women's soccer team lost a heartbreaker 3-2 in double overtime to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse on a rainy Wednesday afternoon. The Royals took a 2-0 lead with a pair of goals less than 30-seconds apart mid-way through the second period. UW-La Crosse was able to score twice in the last 11 minutes of regulation however, to tie it and then the game winner in the second overtime period to deal the Royals a disappointing defeat.

Savannah Swanson broke the scoreless tie at the 67:15 mark with her first goal of the season on a beautifully struck ball from the right corner. Mikala Smith assisted Swanson. The Royals then took advantage of a free kick just 27 seconds later as Smith chipped one past the UWL goalie off the Sydney Wight free kick. For Smith it was her third goal of the season. Unfortunately for Bethel the lead would not hold up, as UWL scored with just over ten minutes remaining and again with just over five minutes remaining in regulation to send the game into overtime. After a scoreless first overtime period in which the Eagles were able to get off two shots and the Royals none, the Eagles managed to break through with the game winner 5:36 into the second overtime.

For the game UWL outshot Bethel 22-7 with a 15-4 advantage on shots on goal. Jessica Gapinski made twelve saves for the Royals. The loss drops Bethel to 2-5 overall on the season while UWL improved to 6-3. Next up for the Royals is a trip to Winona, Minnesota on Saturday to take on the Saint Mary's University Cardinals in an important MIAC match. The contest will begin at 3:30 p.m.