NORTHFIELD, Minn. – It's been 450 minutes since the Bethel University women's soccer team has allowed a goal. The Royals opened Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) play with a 1-0 shutout of Carleton Tuesday afternoon at Bell Field. A goal by sophomore Rachel Waterman in the 17th minute to go along with a season-high eight saves from senior goalie Kaylee Peterson lifted Bethel to its fifth straight shutout to start the season.

Bethel went to work early as Waterman was able to race from midfield into striking distance passing up Knight defenders along the way. Once she got into open territory Waterman fired off right-footed shot that found its way into the bottom left corner giving the Royals a lead just over 16 minutes in.

Carleton fired off six straight shots midway through the first but Peterson held strong between the posts. The host Knights came out of the break firing four more shot right on target while Peterson racked up the save numbers. Bethel had a few good looks before Carleton came away with a breakaway opportunity. Luckily for the Royals an offside flag came up in the 78th minute on a through ball played by Carleton that was destined to find the back of the net.

Despite being outshot 8-3 in the second half and 17-8 in the game (8-4 in shots on goal) BU held strong defensively down the stretch sending themselves home with its fifth straight win.  

The Royals are back in action Saturday at Ona Orth when they host Concordia College at 3:30 p.m.