BLAINE, Minn. – Bethel Women's Ice Hockey battled through a tense, defensive contest on Saturday afternoon at the Bethel University Arena, pushing Gustavus Adolphus College to overtime before falling
2-3 in extra time in a tightly‑fought MIAC matchup. The Royals came out determined and showed grit from the opening faceoff, matching every challenge and keeping the momentum swinging throughout against a strong opponent.
Bethel struck first with just seconds remaining in the opening period. At 19:54 of the first, freshman Sophie Martin capitalized on a quick strike off a feed from Olivia Martin, crashing the net and beating the keeper to make it 1-0 heading into the first intermission.
The second period saw the visitors tie the game at 8:16, breaking through Bethel's defense on a well-executed play. The Royals responded with relentless pressure, but Bethel's power plays in the period did not result in goals.
Early in the third period, the visitors took the lead 1:59 in, scoring on the power play to make it 2-1. Bethel's defense and goalie Ashley Gustafson (Hess) were tested repeatedly, but she turned aside 60 saves over the game, keeping Bethel competitive and in striking distance. The Royals answered at 9:32 of the third, as Amelia McQuay tipped home a play set up by Julia Helget to tie the game at 2-2, sending the contest into overtime.
In the extra session, Bethel controlled possession and generated scoring chances, but the visitors scored at 3:07 of OT during a power play to secure the 3-2 victory. Even in defeat, Bethel's determination and competitive drive were evident from start to finish. Despite the tough loss, Bethel showed resilience and plenty of momentum to build on as they continue through the MIAC slate, highlighted by a standout performance from Gustafson (Hess) between the pipes and clutch offensive contributions from Martin and McQuay.
Up next, Bethel returns to MIAC action as they host their next opponent, St. Mary's University, on Friday at 7:00 p.m. at the Bethel University Arena – National Sports Center.
