BLAINE, Minn. - The Bethel University women's hockey team put together a complete performance in slowing down the high powered attack of the No. 10-ranked Hamline University Pipers and a Wendy Roberts goal with 21 seconds remaining gave the Royals a 4-3 win. Hamline came into the game averaging nearly five goals a game and the Royals, led by Michelle Klimstra, allowed just one goal through the first two periods before Hamline was able to twice tie the game up in the third period. The loss for the Pipers was just the second in MIAC play and their first overall since November 18th.

The first period saw the Royals put some serious heat on the Pipers as they had several great scoring chances but neither team was able to find the back of the net. The game continued that way with both goalies making great saves to begin the second period. Hamline finally broke through first with a score at 12:54 in the second. The Royals didn't take long to answer however as Sarina Goos scored off a rebound three minutes later with assists to Kaitlyn VanTassel and Natalie Simons. Two minutes later the Royals took the lead with a great play by Abby Felton who beat a defender and then the HU goalie to put Bethel up 2-1. Kennedi Mitchell and Kylie Guimont assisted Felton. 

Early in the third period Hamline was able to tie the game back up, just 1:03 in. Bethel took the lead back on a power play with Bailey Thompson scoring from Natalie Simons and VanTassel at 7:39. The Pipers weren't done though as they retied the game at 3-3 with 6:38 remaining in the game. The Royals defense held strong however and with 21 seconds remaining Wendy Roberts got a hold of the puck in front of the net and capitalized, putting the game winner home to give the Royals a huge victory as they push to make their seventh MIAC playoff appearance in the last eight years.

Michelle Klimstra was outstanding in net as the Pipers fired off 34 shots for the game but their three goals was far below their normal output. 

Bethel improves to 7-9-2 overall and 3-6-2 in the MIAC. Hamline falls to 13-3-2 and 8-2-1 in the MIAC. The two teams will finish the series Saturday afternoon with a 2 p.m. matchup in the brand new TRIA Rink at Treasure Island Center, located on the corner of 6th and Wabasha Street in downtown St. Paul.