BLAINE, Minn. - Freshman Faith Merz scored just a minute and a half into overtime to give the Bethel University women's hockey team a victory over the St. Catherine's University Wildcats. The Royals take the MIAC series opener after a 21-day layoff since their last action. BU jumped scored the games first goal in the second period before the Wildcats tied it up midway through the third period. The Royals took the lead back at 14:35 in the third before SCU was able to respond just two minutes later, sending the game into OT. During the three on three action Merz was setup by Grace Halvorson to create a two on one rush with Emily Moore and Merz was able to finish for the game winner.

Emily Moore scored the Royals first goal with assists from Paige Landis and Dylan Grilz. The Royals second goal was scored on a power play by Grace Halvorson with assists by Julia McAlpin and Lindsey Muntifering. Mallory Tidona made 29 saves in net for the Royals to earn the win. 

Bethel improves to 1-4 in the MIAC and 3-3 overall. St. Kate's falls to 4-6 overall and 0-5 in the MIAC. The series concludes in St. Paul Saturday evening at 5 p.m.