BLAINE, Minn. – The Bethel University women's hockey team opened the 2025–26 season with a statement win Friday night, defeating the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) Raiders 4–2.

The Royals came out strong, applying early offensive pressure that paid off midway through the first period. Forward Kallie Tibbetts (Abrahamson) netted the first goal of the season for Bethel at 13:49, giving the Royals a 1–0 lead.

MSOE pulled even in the second period when Gabi Heuser scored at 1:37 to make it 1–1. Despite several power-play chances, both goaltenders stood tall through the remainder of the frame—Bethel's Ashley Gustafson (Hess) turning aside 17 shots in the period to keep the game tied heading into the final stanza.

The third period belonged to Bethel. The Royals erupted for three goals in a six-minute span to seize control. Junior forward Alison Hoerer broke the tie with a quick wrister from the right circle at 5:35, followed shortly by Myla Lubken, who extended the lead to 3–1 with a rebound finish in front. Afton Hulke added an insurance marker at 16:37, capping Bethel's offensive surge.

MSOE's Emily Reiner scored with under four minutes to play to bring the Raiders within two, but Gustafson and the Bethel defense shut the door the rest of the way.

With the victory, Bethel starts the year 1–0–0 and will look to complete the weekend sweep when the teams meet again tomorrow afternoon.