WINONA, Minn. – Bethel University's women's hockey team skated to a convincing 3-0 victory over Saint Mary's University (Minn.) Saturday afternoon in Winona. The Royals built their win methodically, showing resilience and smart play throughout all three periods. Bethel's defense set the tone early, limiting Saint Mary's chances and keeping the Cardinals off the scoreboard while the Royals worked to find offensive opportunities in transition. Goaltender
Ashley Gustafson (Hess) delivered a polished performance in net, turning aside every shot she faced to preserve the shutout.
Bethel's offense finally broke through late in the second period at 17:30 when Kallie Tibbetts (Abrahamson) slid the puck home off assists from Myla Lubken and Trinity Jackson, giving the Royals a 1-0 lead. Early in the third period, Julia Helget extended the advantage at 3:10 with help from Maddi O'Connor, and Bethel's forecheck kept pressure in the offensive zone. Midway through the third, Beth Vincent (Velasco) found the back of the net with assists from Olivia Martin and Tibbetts (Abrahamson), putting the game out of reach at 3-0. Throughout the third, Bethel's strong puck management and physical play in the corners helped maintain control as the Royals closed out a complete victory.
Bethel displayed balanced contributions from all three lines and defensive pairings, with O'Connor and Rylen Kissell generating possession and facilitating movement through the neutral zone. The team's penalty kill was efficient whenever called upon, and Bethel's ability to limit high-danger chances against helped preserve the shutout. This victory was a confident response for the Royals in MIAC play.
Up next for the Bethel women's hockey team is a home series against Concordia College (Minn.), with games scheduled Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. at Bethel University Arena.
