BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Bemidji State University Women's Hockey team shut out Robert Morris University 3-0 Friday night at Sanford Center to earn its first win of the season. The Beavers took control early with two first-period goals, adding a power-play goal in the third frame to secure the victory while sophomore goaltender Kaitlin Groess collected her first collegiate shutout after making 12 saves.
 
Isa Goettl scored a power-play goal and won eight faceoffs, finishing with a plus-minus of +2. Morgan Smith contributed significantly by scoring a goal and adding a helper, leading the team with five shots. Hailey Armstrong netted the game-winning goal, recording four shots on target. In goal, Kaitlin Groess posted a shutout with 12 saves in her start.
 
Bemidji State took command in the first frame against RMU, beginning with Hailey Armstrong's goal at 6:46, assisted by Kate Johnson and Lola Macuiba. The Beavers extended their lead to 2-0 when Smith found the back of the net at 11:55, with Senja Leeper and Izy Fairchild providing the assists. Netminder Kaitlin Groess remained solid, keeping the Colonials scoreless through the period. The Beavers outshot their opponents and carried a two-goal advantage into the second period.
 
The second frame saw Bemidji State assert their offensive presence but fail to convert opportunities into goals against RMU. BSU dominated faceoffs early, with Smith and Goettl winning critical draws. Despite multiple shots on goal by Avery Achterkirch, Leeper, and Armstrong, RMU's Maggie Hatch stood firm, denying numerous attempts. A tense moment arose when Raeley Carney's penalty gave the Colonials a power play, but BSU's defense, notably Groess, successfully nullified the threat. The period concluded scoreless, with both teams unable to capitalize on their respective power plays.
 
Bemidji State extended their lead over the Colonials in the third frame with a power-play goal at 12:37 by Goettl, assisted by Smith and Carmen Bray. The Beavers maintained pressure throughout, with multiple shots on goal from Armstrong and Carney, but RMU's Hatch remained solid in net. BSU's defense was also effective, with Kasey Senden blocking consecutive shots from RMU's Emma Goding and Alaina Giampietro. Despite RMU's efforts, including a late attempt by Thalia D'Elia saved by Groess, BSU secured the 3-0 victory.
 
Bemidji State moved its record to 1-2-0 with a 3-0 win over the Colonials while RMU drops to 1-2-0.
 
The Beavers will attempt at the sweep tomorrow afternoon for game two at 3:02 p.m.
 
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.
 
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