BLAINE, Minn. - The Bethel University women's hockey team was back in action for the first time since December 8th and picked up a win over the St. Olaf College Oles by a 2-0 score. The Royals and Oles were scoreless after the first period before the Royals broke through with a Lindsay Albers goal at 11:20 in the second period before adding another in the third by Emily Wiltse. 

Midway through the second period Albers grabbed a loose puck after a battle on the boards and fired a snipe past the Oles goalie that found the upper corner of the net. After the Albers goal, Bethel was able to kill off a pair of Ole power plays in the second period with Mallory Tidona making four saves on the penalty kill. BU killed off another Ole power play early in the third period, not allowing an STO shot on goal. After two periods the shots on goal were an even 20-20 but the Royals dominated the third period, finishing with a 32-22 advantage.

Emily Wiltse, playing in her first game with the Royals, scored the second BU goal at 11:13 in the third period. Wiltse's goal came on a Bethel power play as she was able to find an open net after a rebound of a Megan Johnson shot. Sydney Eckert also assisted on the goal. 

Mallory Tidona was outstanding in net for the Royals, making 22 saves. The shutout is the fifth in Tidona's collegiate career.

The win improves the Royals to 4-5 overall and 2-2 in the MIAC while St. Olaf drops to 7-9 overall and 1-8 in the MIAC. The Royals and Oles will complete the MIAC series Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. from the St. Olaf Ice Arena in Northfield, Minnesota.