BEMIDJI, Minn. (Sanford Center) -- Freshman Reece Hunt recorded the first hat trick of her career to lead the Bemidji State University women's hockey team in its 2019-20 home finale, but the No. 4 University of Minnesota attack proved to be too much as the Golden Gophers piled on three third-period goals to earn a 6-3 victory and complete a Western Collegiate Hockey Association series sweep.

The Beavers kept pace with the Gophers, matching goal-for-goal, through 41 minutes of play, but a Taylor Heise tally at the 1:31 mark of the third period pushed Minnesota into the lead for good.  The visitors added an additional even-strength goal at the 16:20 mark and capped the afternoon with an empty-net goal with 2:29 to play.

In addition to Hunt, BSU's Haley Mack and Clair DeGeorge each pitched in a pair of assists, while goaltender Lauren Bench turned aside 23 of the 28 shots she faced.

Bemidji State, now 14-15-3 overall and 9-12-2 in WCHA play, will travel to St. Cloud, Minn. and St. Cloud State University to wrap up the 2019-20 regular season Feb. 14-15. The Beavers and Huskies will get the two-game series underway with a 6:07 p.m. start Friday, while Saturday's season finale is set for a 3:07 opening face off.

Bemidji State also learned that it will either be the fifth or sixth seed in the WCHA Playoffs and will travel to either University of Minnesota Duluth or Ohio State University.

--bsu--