ERIE, Pa. - The Bemidji State University women’s hockey team dropped the first of the two-game series to Mercyhurst tonight 1-0 in the 2002-03 season-opener and debut for new BSU head coach Bruce Olson.

In a game where the Beavers were outshot 35-21 and each team saw at least five power play opportunities, the Lady Lakers made good on one of those opportunities to make the difference in the game.

The Beavers and the Lady Lakers skated to a scoreless first period when the Beavers were out-shot 13-8.

Thirteen seconds into the second period, Guylaine Hache was escorted to the penalty box for high sticking and the Lakers would take advantage as Randi Pilger would beat Anik Cotè for the score. Her first goal of the season was assisted by C.J. Ireland to take the 1-0 lead. That is the way the score would stay as neither of the teams would find the net for the remainder fo the game.

“Anik played very well in the net for us tonight,” commented coach Olson as Cotè stopped 34 Lady Laker Shots in the game.

“It was an excellent hockey game, well played by both teams. We each had plenty of opportunities, we were just not able to finish,” commented coach Olson. Bemidji State went 0-6 on power play opportunities and Mercyhurst made good on one of five to make the differnence in the game.

The Beavers are 0-1-0 on the season and will be back in action tomorrow night at the Mercyhurst Ice Center in Erie, Pa.. The puck is set to drop at 7:30 p.m. EST.

--bsu--