BLAINE, Minn. – The Gustavus Adolphus College women’s hockey team suffered its second consecutive defeat on Friday evening, falling to Bethel University 3-1 at the Schwan Super Rink. The loss drops the Gusties to 8-10-4 overall and 7-5-3 in the conference, while the Royals improve to 11-9-2 overall and 9-4-2 in the league. Gustavus remains in fifth place in the MIAC standings with 17 points and still controls its own playoff destiny as it holds a three-point lead over sixth place Saint Mary’s.
Neither team scored in the first frame, which led to a busy second period of scoring. Bethel got the puck rolling, with Hadley Cookson scoring an unassisted shorthanded goal at 7:16 to give Bethel a 1-0 lead. However, Gustavus was quick to answer, as Allison Eder-Zdechlik (Sr., Stillwater, Minn.) continued her goal-scoring tear by putting home her 15th goal of the season at 11:51 to tie the score at 1-1. Then, with 2:13 remaining in the second, the Royals’ Briita Nelson put her squad back ahead off assists from Natalie Simons and Erin Harper.
As it has done for several periods this season, Gustavus outshot its opposition in the third period, taking 13 shots compared to Bethel’s eight. However, the Gusties couldn’t find the back of the net and the Royals’ Wendy Roberts took advantage of an empty Gustavus net with seven seconds to play to seal the home squad’s victory.
Amanda DiNella (Fy., Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.) took the defeat between the pipes for Gustavus after making 17 saves in 58:47. Sophomore Michelle Klimstra earned the win for Bethel after stopping 34-of-35 shots that came her way. Overall, the Gusties outshot the Royals 35-20, marking the 10th tie or loss for Gustavus in which it outshot its opponent.
The Gusties will look to avenge tonight’s loss in the series finale tomorrow afternoon which will take place at 2 p.m. at Don Roberts Ice Rink.