BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Bemidji State University Women's Hockey team fell to St. Cloud State University, 4-0, in game one of their Western Collegiate Hockey Association series Friday evening at Sanford Center. Bemidji State managed 21 shots on goal but was unable to convert, while SCSU scored once in each of the first two periods and added two more in the third.
 
Bemidji State faced a challenging matchup against St. Cloud State, ultimately falling short in a closely contested game. "Sure, certainly not the outcome that we wanted. I thought their goaltender played extremely well," said head coach Amber Fryklund. Despite consistent efforts in the first two periods, Bemidji State struggled to find the back of the net. "Not scoring is tough. I thought there were some good things that we can take from the game," the coach added, noting the team's adherence to their systems early on. Special teams played a pivotal role, with Bemidji State generating promising opportunities that went unconverted. Reflecting on the offensive struggles, the coach mentioned, "We talked a lot about trying to find ways to get pucks to the net. We hit a lot of shin pads tonight." Defensive play from Kaitlin, the goaltender, received praise for key saves at crucial moments. "I think Kaitlin made some incredible saves for us," the coach remarked. Despite the loss, Bemidji State aims to regroup and prepare for tomorrow's rematch.
 
The first period commenced with a faceoff won by St. Cloud State's Laura Zimmermann against Bemidji State's Morgan Smith. Bemidji State's Kate Johnson blocked an early shot attempt by Sydney Bryant of the Huskies, setting a defensive tone. The lone goal of the period came at 9:54 when Payton Remick found the back of the net for SCSU, assisted by Svenja Voigt, giving the visitors a 1–0 lead. Despite Bemidji State's multiple attempts, including a power play opportunity following a tripping penalty on Avery Farrell, they were unable to capitalize, and the period closed with SCSU up by one.
 
SCSU extended their lead to 2-0 early in the second period when Laura Zimmermann scored at 14:40, assisted by Grace Wolfe and Maélie Pion. Bemidji State had several opportunities to respond, drawing a penalty at 17:43, but SCSU's defense, led by goaltender Emilia Kyrkkö, held firm. Despite a power play chance and multiple shots on goal, Bemidji State could not convert, and the period concluded with the home team trailing 2-0. Kaitlin Groess kept Bemidji State in the game with key saves, including a stop on Sofianna Sundelin's early attempt.
 
The Huskies expanded their lead in the third period, starting with a goal from Payton Remick at 13:02, assisted by Avery Farrell, making it 3–0. Bemidji State struggled to capitalize on a power play shortly after, despite several attempts, as SCSU's defense still held firm. Reese Strauts added another for the Huskies at 1:56, with assists from Farrell and Remick, sealing a 4–0 victory. Bemidji State managed a late power play but could not break through, as Kyrkkö maintained the shutout with pivotal saves.
 
Bemidji State is now 3-9-1 overall and 1-9-1 in conference play. The Huskies have a 5-9-1 overall record and are 2-8-1 in conference competition.
 
The two teams meet again tomorrow after for the series finale at Sanford Center. Puck drop is slated for 2:02 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.
 
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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