Dec. 3, 2004

[box score]

DETROIT, Mich. - The Bemidji State women's hockey team (3-14-0, 1-13-0 WCHA) rattled off three consecutive goals and snapped a six-game losing streak with a commanding 4-1 non-conference win over Wayne State (5-7-3, 0-0-0 CHA) Friday night at City Sports Arena. Junior goalkeeper Jill Luebke (Neenah, Wis.) stopped 22 WSU shots and earned her second win of the 2004-05 campaign.

Each team lit up the scoreboard once in the first period, with Bemidji State striking first. Freshman Haley Balcom (Elk River, Minn.) tallied an unassisted goal, her first in a Green and White uniform at the 3:52 mark of the period.

The Warriors responded with a tally of their own at 19:09 when Danielle Wilson evened the score at 1-1 heading into the first intermission.

The Beavers took control in the second frame, as they recorded an even-strength goal and a power-play tally to extend their lead to 3-1. Sophomore Nikki Eckebrecht (Hamilton, Ontario) netted her fifth goal of the season and her team's second unassisted goal of the evening at 6:48. Ekebrecht's lamplighter moved her scoring streak (1-1=2) to two games. Sophomore Kate Robinson (Shanty Bay, Ontario) secured her first goal since Nov. 7 and her fourth marker of the year with a power-play score at 18:44 of the stanza. Rookie Tara Hiscock (Bemidji, Minn.) chipped the fifth assist of her rookie campaign on the goal, while sophomore Kelly Hart (Ajax, Ontario) earned her eighth helper of the season.

BSU tacked on an empty-net goal late in the third period, as junior Aimee Collins (Pilot Mound, Manitoba) registered her third goal of the season and second empty-netter of her Bemidji State career.

The Beavers generated a 24-23 shot advantage over the Warriors and for the first time this year BSU earned a victory after outshooting its opponent.

Bemidji State connected on one of its three power-play chances, while Wayne State was held in check in three opportunities with a player advantage.

WSU netminder Tina Thibideau tabbed 20 saves in a losing effort.

The Beavers will seek their first series sweep of the year Saturday afternoon with the rubber match against the Warriors at City Sports Arena. The puck will drop at 2:05 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

Notes: BSU's win was its second against a College Hockey America opponent this season, as the Beavers won their season-opener 2-1 at Mercyhurst (Oct. 9)... Bemidji State sports a 4-0-1 record in its last five meetings with Wayne State... Kelly Hart extended her scoring streak (1-2=3) to three games and Tara Hiscock pushed her scoring streak (2-3=5) to five games, marking a career-high and season high for all BSU players... Jenny Schnickel's point scoring streak was snapped at four games...