BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Bemidji State University Women's Hockey team defeated Robert Morris University 4-1 Saturday, buoyed by a hat trick and an empty-net goal in the final period. A power-play goal in the third helped Bemidji State secure the win, building on a 1-1 stalemate after the first period. Both teams' netminders recorded 27 saves, but Bemidji State capitalized on scoring opportunities, sealing the victory with two goals in the final frame.
 
Junior Hailey Armstrong led Bemidji State scoring all four goals, tying the program record for most goals in a single game (Kerri McEwen – Dec. 4, 1999). Her impressive performance included a game-winning and a power-play goal, while also posting a plus-minus of +3. Kate Johnson added two helpers, contributing significantly to the team's offensive play. Morgan Smith recorded one assist and led faceoff efforts by winning 12 of 21 faceoffs, achieving a 57 percent success rate. Goaltender Kaitlin Groess made 27 saves, allowing just one goal in the match.
 
The first period began with both teams actively seeking early opportunities. Bemidji State opened the scoring at 15:50 when Armstrong netted her second goal of the season with an assist from Johnson. However, RMU responded just 35 seconds later, leveling the score at 1-1 with a goal by Morgan Giannone, assisted by Taylor Storey and Emma Goding. Both teams exchanged penalties and power play opportunities later in the period, but neither could capitalize, leaving the score tied at the intermission.
 
Bemidji State maintained its lead in the second period, with Armstrong securing a goal at 16:28, assisted by Johnson and Isa Goettl. This goal, Armstrong's third of the season, gave Bemidji State a 2-1 advantage over the Colonials. The period was marked by a strong performance from Lucy Phillips, who thwarted numerous attempts from Bemidji State, including key saves on shots by Kasey Senden and Autumn Cooper. Despite several power play opportunities for both teams, the defenses held firm, and no additional goals were scored in the period, leaving Bemidji State ahead as they moved into the final frame.
 
Bemidji State extended its lead early in the third period with a power-play goal by Armstrong at 18:08, marking her hat trick and fourth goal of the season. The goal was assisted by Smith and Carmen Bray, coming shortly after Linnea Misner's hooking penalty put Bemidji State on the power play. Despite numerous attempts from the Colonials, including a shot that hit the pipe by Alaina Giampietro at 14:10, their efforts were thwarted by Bemidji State's defense and goaltender Groess. The home team sealed their victory with an empty-net goal by Armstrong at 1:36, her fifth goal of the season, assisted by Izy Fairchild and Heidi Strompf, finalizing the score at 4-1.
 
Bemidji State improved to 2-2-0 with their win over RMU and now prepare to travel to Columbus, Ohio for a Western Collegiate Hockey Association series at Ohio State University, Oct. 10-11.
 
For more information on the Bemidji State women's hockey program, tickets or schedules, visit BSUBeavers.com, follow the Beavers on X or Instagram, or like them on Facebook.
 
Located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, Bemidji State University sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs with NCAA Division I men's hockey membership in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association and women's hockey membership in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).
 
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