MEQUON, Wis. - The Bethel University women's hockey team used a third period goal and an overtime score with just eight seconds remaining to pull off a comeback victory, 3-2, over the Concordia University-Wisconsin Falcons Friday night. The Royals returned to the ice for the first time in a month following the semester break and were able to take an early 1-0 lead but CUW scored the next two goals to take a 2-1 lead, setting up the Royals late comeback. Erin Harper had a big night for Bethel, scoring the first goal and assisting on the last two. Briita Nelson scored the second goal for Bethel while Caroline Kivisto netted the game winner in the final seconds of overtime.

Harper's goal came just 1:15 into the game as she was assisted by Natalie Simons and Megan O'Brian on a Bethel power play. The lead didn't last too long though as CUW scored at 7:40 to tie the game. The tie remained until the final seconds of the second period when the Falcons scored with just 11 seconds remaining to take the 2-1 lead into the final frame. Nelson tied the game back up at 6:21 in the third and it remained that way heading into overtime. It appeared that the two teams would settle for a 2-2 tie, but Kivisto took a perfect pass from Harper near the blue line and was able to beat the CUW goalie top shelf for the game winner.

Maggie Straka made 21 saves for the Royals to earn the victory in goal. Bethel outshot Concordia 31-23 on the night and was 1-for-4 on power play opportunities while shutting down all three CUW power plays.
The two teams will square off again Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. at the Ozaukee Ice Center in Mequon, Wisconsin.