BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Bemidji State University Women's Hockey team claimed a 2–1 victory over No. 14 University of St. Thomas Saturday to split their Western Collegiate Hockey Association series at Sanford Center. Bemidji State opened the scoring in the first period and never lost the lead despite a 28-15 shot advantage for the Tommies. Sophomore goaltender Kaitlin Groess tracked the puck well making 27 saves in the game to claim her third victory.
 
Bemidji State earned its first win in conference play collecting three league points to move into seventh in league standings with four on the season. The Beavers also defeated a ranked opponent for the first time since Feb. 11, 2022, a 3-2 upset of No. 2 Ohio State Univeresity.
 
Amber Fryklund expressed pride in her team's performance following Bemidji State's narrow victory over UST. "Proud of our team, the effort, that we had, the response that we had from yesterday," Fryklund stated, highlighting the importance of the strong start in the first period and acknowledging the team-wide effort. Despite facing a determined push from the Tommies in the third period, the Bemidji State defense remained resilient. "We talked about being gritty and hard to play against," Fryklund mentioned, commending the players for getting into shot-blocking lanes and crediting Groess for her timely saves. The victory underscored the team's defensive structure and ability to withstand pressure, as emphasized by Fryklund's remarks on the players' commitment and hard work.
 
The first period began with UST winning the opening faceoff, but Bemidji State took the lead 2:57 into the game with a short-handed goal by Izy Fairchild, assisted by Morgan Smith. Despite being a player down due to a tripping penalty, Bemidji State capitalized on their opportunity to score scoring their first short-handed goal since last season's season opener. The Tommies had several shot attempts, but Groess kept them off the scoreboard.
 
The second period featured strong defensive play from both teams, resulting in a scoreless 20 minutes. Bemidji State's Smith won the opening faceoff and contributed two shots, both saved by the Tommies' goalie Julia Minotti. UST had multiple chances, with Whitney Horton and Maya Engler among those taking shots, but Groess made several key saves. A roughing penalty on Ella Boerger of the Tommies at 13:23 gave Bemidji State a power play, but they were unable to capitalize as Cailin Mumm blocked attempts by Carmen Bray and Isa Goettl. Despite a flurry of activity, neither team found the back of the net, leaving the period tied.
 
Bemidji State extended their lead early in the third period with a goal from junior Shelby Sandberg at 17:33, marking her first of the season. The unassisted tally proved to be the game-winner as UST managed to respond with a goal by Chloe Boreen at 4:06, assisted by Rylee Bartz. Despite pulling their goalie with just over two minutes remaining, the Tommies were unable to capitalize on the extra skater, with Bemidji State's defense, highlighted by multiple saves from Groess, maintaining the 2–1 victory.
 
The Beavers laid out defensively blocking 18 shots in the game including nine in the final period and were led by freshman defender Katy Comstock who had six herself.
 
In her first start since October 10, Groess made 27-of-28 saves to earn her third win of the season and improve to 3-3-0 and tie her win total last year.
 
Bemidji State improved to 3-6-1 overall and is 1-6-1 in conference play while the 14^th-ranked Tommies stand at 8-6-0 overall and 3-5-0 in conference competition.
 
The Beavers next travel to University of Minnesota for a league series with the Golden Gophers beginning Friday, Nov. 14 at Mariucci Arena.
 
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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