BLAINE, Minn. - The Bethel University women's hockey team opened their season in style with a 6-1 victory over Northland College. The Royals were led by sophomore Lindsey Albers who scored BU's second goal in the first period and then added a pair of empty netters in the third for a hat trick. Bethel outshot Northland 47-20 on the night with goalie Mallory Tidona making 19 saves in net to earn the win.

McKayla Machlitt scored BU's first goal of the season with an assist to Emily Roder just three and a half minutes into the game. Albers first goal came midway through the first period with an assist from Annie Gydesen. The Royals led 2-0 after the first, outshooting the LumberJills 17-2 in the opening period. Roder scored a nifty goal just over seven minutes into the second period with an assist from Albers. Paige Landis then extended the lead to 4-0 11:18 into the second with her first collegiate goal. Brynn Swenson and Dylan Grilz assisted on Landis' goal. 

The LumberJills were able to get on the board with a goal 4:24 into the third period but BU would not allow another before Albers put the finishing touches on the night with the two empty netters late in the third. 

The two teams will square off again on Saturday at 7 p.m. in Bethel University Arena as the Royals will go for the series sweep.