BLAINE, Minn. — The Bethel University women's ice hockey team fell to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire 0-7 in a non-conference matchup Saturday afternoon at Bethel University Arena.

The Blugolds opened the scoring early in the first period and never looked back, posting a balanced offensive attack throughout the contest. Eau Claire struck quickly at 2:28 of the first period, and added a second goal late in the opening frame to build early momentum. The visitors then broke the game open in the second period with four additional goals, including on the power play, before tacking on a seventh tally in the third.

Eau Claire's offense was led by standout individual contributions, with Adrienne Hansen scoring twice and several other Blugolds chipping in goals and assists. Blugolds goalie, Kambelle Freije, recorded a shutout, turning aside every shot she faced.

Bethel battled hard in all three periods but was unable to get past Freije, finishing with 18 shots on goal. Goalie Ashley Gustafson (Hess) and Lexi Holman split time in net for the Royals, combining for 28 saves on the afternoon.

The Royals will look to bounce back as they return to action next weekend when they travel to take on the University of Wisconsin-Superior on Jan. 9 and host Superior again on Jan. 10.