BEMIDJI, Minn. – No. 14 University of St. Thomas defeated the Bemidji State University Women's Hockey team, 5–0, in their Western Collegiate Hockey Association series opener Friday at Sanford Center. UST's dominant performance was highlighted by a third-period surge where they netted three goals, including a power-play goal that sealed the outcome.
 
Head coach Amber Fryklund expressed her dissatisfaction with the result following Bemidji State's loss to UST. "Not excited about the result today. I thought the second and third period, they came out with a lot of jump," she said. Fryklund noted the team's strong start, despite an overturned goal in the first period that could have shifted momentum. "Our response is what we talked about, how we respond tomorrow matters," she added, emphasizing the importance of regrouping and focusing on converting opportunities into goals in their upcoming matchup. Fryklund also acknowledged the defensive effort from UST, highlighting their ability to block shots and the performance of their goaltender, which made it challenging for Bemidji State to capitalize on scoring chances.
 
The first period began with the Tommies winning the initial faceoff, setting a competitive tone early. Both teams exchanged missed shots, and Bemidji State was penalized for tripping at 7:07, giving UST a power play opportunity that was ultimately unsuccessful. Shortly after the power play ended, Chloe Boreen scored at 10:50 with assists from Rylee Bartz and JuliAnna Gazdik, giving the Tommies a 1–0 lead. Despite Bemidji State's attempts to equalize, including multiple blocked and saved shots, they were unable to find the back of the net, and the period concluded with UST leading 1–0.
 
The Tommies extended their lead early in the second period with a goal from Jenessa Gazdik at 00:40, assisted by JuliAnna Gazdik and Rylee Bartz. Bemidji State had opportunities to respond, including a power play following a tripping penalty, but their efforts were stymied by the Tommies' defense and goaltender Julia Minotti. Despite several shots from Bemidji State, including attempts by Lola Macuiba and Izy Fairchild, UST maintained their shutout through the period, ending with a 2-0 lead.
 
UST dominated the third period, starting with Rylee Bartz's goal just 33 seconds in, assisted by Chloe Boreen and Jenessa Gazdik. The visitors extended their lead to 4–0 when Ella Boerger scored on a power play at 14:56, capitalizing on an assist from Ellah Hause. Ilsa Lindaman further increased the margin at 15:46 with help from Gazdik and Boerger. Despite Bemidji State's attempts to respond, including multiple blocked shots and saves by Julia Minotti, the Tommies secured a 5–0 victory.
 
BSU senior goaltender Ava Hills made 16 saves in a losing effort.
 
Bemidji State holds a record of 2-6-1 overall and 0-6-1 in conference play while UST improves to 8-5-0 overall and 3-4-0 in conference competition.
 
The Beavers look to rebound tomorrow afternoon for game two. Puck drop is scheduled for 2:02 p.m. 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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