NORTHFIELD, Minn - The Bethel University men's hockey team fell just short to the St. Olaf College Oles by a score of 3-2 Saturday night at Northfield Arena.  The Oles take the weekend sweep after defeating the Royals 7-3 the night before.  Bethel out shot the Oles 39-31.

The Oles jumped on the board first 5:44 into the first period.  Judd Lowenstein shot the puck off the boards behind the net, landing perfectly into Mark Rath's stick, for the backdoor goal.  Lowenstein and Andy Jordahl recorded the assists.  Mike Bond tied it up for the Royals at the 11:15 mark in the first period, his third goal of the season.  Justin Bonanno picked up his first of two assists on the night.  The Oles regained the lead when Gordon Wells buried on a one-timer from Drew Otto with 3:24 left in the the first period.  St. Olaf extended their lead to 3-1 when Chris Hansen scored from the point on a screened Matt Rowe.  Hancock and Lowenstein were awarded assists.  After a scoreless second period for the Royals, Dallas Marvin brought the Royals within one goal with 10:08 left in the third period.  Bonanno and Splichal both earned assists.  The Royals had opportunities late in the third period but were unable to find the back of the net.  

Bethel drops to 2-17-2 on the season heading into their last four games of the season.  The Royals return to action next week as they take on the Golden Gusties from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn.  Puck drop is at 7:05pmat Don Roberts Rink on the campus of Gustavus.  The Royals will celebrate Senior Day next Saturday at 7:00pm at Bethel University Arena, their final home game of the season.