MANKATO, Minn. – (RV) Minnesota State University, Mankato secured a 2-0 victory over the Bemidji State University Women's Hockey team Saturday in their Western Collegiate Hockey Association series finale. Both teams were scoreless through the first two periods, but Minnesota State broke through in the third, scoring twice to seal the win.
 
The first period between Bemidji State and Minnesota State ended without a goal, as both teams were unable to capitalize on their opportunities. The Mavericks initially controlled the faceoff, which set the tone for a competitive period. Bemidji State's goalie, Ava Hills, was busy in net.  MSU's Kaydence Roeske also held strong, making a crucial save at 00:10 on a shot from Katy Comstock. The teams traded power play opportunities, with Bemidji State's chance coming early in the period after a holding penalty against Bella Shipley, and the Mavericks having two power plays but neither side could convert.
 
The second period saw both teams engage in a flurry of activity without converting any opportunities into goals. Bemidji State capitalized on an early power play but failed to find the back of the net despite multiple shots and sustained pressure. The Mavericks responded with their own power play opportunity, but Ava Hills stood firm in goal, denying several attempts. Throughout the period, both teams traded shots, with key saves from Kaydence Roeske and blocked attempts by defenders maintaining a scoreless frame. As the period closed, the defensive efforts from both sides ensured the game remained tied.
 
Minnesota State secured a 2-0 victory over Bemidji State with two goals in the third period. Kamryn Van Batavia opened the scoring just 54 seconds into the period, with assists from Taylor Otremba and Makayla Moran. Bemidji State's attempts to respond included a power play at 10:26, but they were unable to capitalize against the Mavericks' solid defense. Mercury Bischoff extended the Mavericks' lead at 14:17, assisted by Lucie Tenenbaum and Sophie Stramel, sealing the win. Ava Hills made several key saves for Bemidji State, but MSU's defense, led by goalie Kaydence Roeske, held firm to maintain the shutout.
 
Bemidji State is now 2-5-1 overall and holds a conference record of 0-5-1. Minnesota State is 6-5-1 overall and 2-5-1 in conference play.
 
The Beavers return home next weekend for the first time since October 4 and hosts University of St. Thomas at Sanford Center.
 
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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