BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Bemidji State University Women's Hockey team fell to No. 5 University of Minnesota Duluth, 4-0, on Saturday afternoon in their Western Collegiate Hockey Association series finale at Sanford Center. UMD secured the win with a three-goal third period, extending their lead after a tight first two periods. Bemidji State managed 20 shots on goal, but UMD's Éve Gascon turned away each attempt to seal the shutout victory.
 
Head coach Amber Fryklund commented on the performance, noting, "I don't think it was our best game. I don't think we came out and competed like we did yesterday." Despite a solid penalty kill, Bemidji State struggled to generate offensive opportunities, as Fryklund remarked, "We weren't able to get pucks to the net like we were yesterday." The team managed to maintain a competitive stance, going into the third period down by just one goal. However, the Bulldogs' experience and strong goaltending proved decisive. Fryklund acknowledged the opponent's strength, stating, "They have players that have a lot of experience and have been a top-ranked team all year." Looking ahead, Bemidji State aims to refine their offensive strategies, focusing on shot quality and finishing around the net during their upcoming break.
 
Sophomore goaltender Kaitlin Groess made 28 saves in net including stopping 22-of-23 before the third period.
 
The game began with Caitlin Kraemer winning the opening faceoff for UMD against Bemidji State. Rae Mayer put the visiting team on the scoreboard at 3:05, netting her eighth goal of the season with an assist from Mary Kate O'Brien. Bemidji State's defense was active, with Elly Klepinger and Lola Macuiba each blocking shots, and Groess making several saves. Bemidji State failed to capitalize on a power play opportunity following a hooking penalty UMD, as Gascon held firm, maintaining the Bulldogs' 1–0 lead going into the intermission.
 
The Bulldogs maintained offensive pressure in the second period, winning multiple faceoffs and generating numerous scoring chances. Bemidji State's defense was tested early as it was penalized for cross-checking, but Kasey Senden contributed crucial blocks to kill the penalty. Despite Raeley Carney's interference penalty leading to another power play for the visitors, Groess made key saves to keep the game scoreless. Both teams struggled to convert shots into goals, with goalies making several saves. The period concluded without any goals, leaving the score still in favor of UMD.
 
UMD extended their lead early in the third period at 17:30 with Thea Johansson scoring, assisted by Kraemer and Burgen, making it 2–0. Madison Burr added to the advantage at 8:18, netting a goal with assists from Kate Kosobud and Josie St. Martin. Despite Bemidji State's efforts, including multiple saves by Groess, Minn. Duluth's Burgen scored again at 3:52, assisted by Kraemer, sealing a 4–0 victory.
 
Bemidji State now holds a record of 4-12-2 overall and 2-11-1 in conference play. The Bulldogs improve to 12-6-0 overall and 8-6-0 in conference competition.
 
The Beavers now take time off for the Holiday break and return to action Jan. 3-4 with a non-conference road trip to Merrimack College.
 
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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