BLAINE, Minn. - The Bethel University women's hockey team exploded for three goals in the third period to overtake the St. Olaf College Oles for a 3-1 victory in the opening round of the MIAC Playoffs. The Royals found themselves looking at a 1-0 deficit with just 20 minutes to play to extend their season and BU came through in a big way. Lexi DeBace scored the Royals first and last goals while Julia McAlpin scored the game winner on a power play. The Royals will advance on to face No. 2 seed Hamline University on Saturday night.

Despite holding a 27-19 advantage in shots on goal through two periods the Royals were down 1-0 thanks to a shorthanded goal scored by the Oles at the 9:48 mark in the second period. The goal was the first, and would be the only goal, St. Olaf scored in the three games against Bethel this season. Lexi DeBace was able to get the zero off the board for Bethel with the tying goal just 5:37 into the third period. McKayla Machlitt and Annie Gydesen assisted on DeBace's score. The Royals still needed the go ahead score and got it ten minutes later when Julia McAlpin took advantage of a Royals power play at 15:30. Grace Halvorson and DeBace assisted. DeBace wasn't done with the scoring as she registered her second goal and third point of the period with just over a minute remaining to seal the deal for the Royals. Mallory Tidona made 25 saves for the Royals to up her MIAC leading season total to 528 on the year. 

The Royals will now face the Hamline Pipers, a team they defeated 2-1 in their last contest on January 29th. The No. 2 seeded Pipers (13-9, 11-5 MIAC) will host the Royals (8-10-2, 5-6-2 MIAC) at the TRIA Rink in St. Paul at 7 p.m. Saturday night.