NORTHFIELD, Minn. - The Bethel University women's hockey team was dealt a tough defeat after a big second period lifted the St. Olaf College Oles to a 5-3 victory Friday night. The Oles scored three times in the second period and twice more in the third, the final on an empty net, to take the series opener. Bethel once again outshot their opponent in the loss for the second consecutive game.

Kaitlyn VanTassel got the Royals off to a good start with a first period goal just 3:04 into the game. Briita Nelson and Kennedi Mitchell had the assists. The score remained 1-0 in favor of the Royals until 5:45 into the second period the Oles scored to make it 1-1. St. Olaf got two more scores at 9:19 and 14:02 to stretch their lead to 3-1. The third goal came on a Ole power play. Bethel attempted to mount a third period comeback as senior Wendy Roberts scored at 8:29 in the third to pull the Royals within one at 3-2. VanTassel and Bri Stafne were credited with the assists. The Royals were able to go on a power play at 11:26 in the third as they looked to get the game tied up but the Oles were able to score shorthanded to take full control of the game at 4-2. A Royals penalty and an empty net goal inside the final five minutes made it 5-2. Kennedi Mitchell scored for Bethel as time expired with assists to Kirsten Olson and Abby Felton to make the final score 5-3.

The Royals will return home to take on the Oles as they look to keep their playoff hopes alive. Bethel sits just two points behind sixth place Saint Mary's for the final playoff spot and one point behind seventh place St. Catherine. The Cardinals lost Friday night to first place Hamline while the Wildcats lost to fourth place Augsburg. The Royals will play St. Catherine next weekend while Saint Mary's plays St. Olaf. First though, the Royals and Oles will faceoff at 3 p.m. on Saturday from Bethel University Arena.