BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Bemidji State University Women's Hockey team fell to No. 3 University of Minnesota, 5–3, in a hard-fought contest at Sanford Center in game one of their Western Collegiate Hockey Association series. Despite a strong third-period rally where Bemidji State netted two power-play goals, the Gophers' early advantage proved decisive.
 
Despite a strong start and effective penalty killing, Bemidji State conceded two quick goals in both the first and second periods, which set the tone. "Certainly that was a pattern," noted head coach Amber Fryklund, reflecting on the game. Bemidji State's response in the third period showed resilience as they capitalized on opportunities and displayed strong energy. "I thought our third period with 20 minutes was our best," Fryklund said.
 
Hailey Armstrong scored the Beavers' first power-play goal for her 11^th of the season while Izy Fairchild followed with a power-play goal of her own seven minutes later. Shelby Sandberg scored her third goal of the season late in the game to pull the Beavers within two. Isa Goettl collected two assists to lead the Beavers while Morgan Smith and Armstrong each had one. Kaitlin Groess made 34 saves in net.
 
Bemidji State finished the game going 2-for-3 while on the power play scoring their first power-play goal since Nov. 28.
 
The first period began with the Gophers controlling the faceoff and taking the offensive lead. Despite Bemidji State's efforts to defend, the Gophers capitalized on their momentum when Abbey Murphy scored unassisted at 15:10, putting them ahead. Shortly after, Ava Lindsay extended the lead to 2-0 just 14 seconds later, assisted by Jamie Nelson and Nelli Laitinen. Bemidji State's defense, led by Groess in goal, faced a barrage of shots but held firm after the two quick goals, ending the period with a two-goal deficit.
 
The Gophers extended their lead against Bemidji State with three goals in the second period. Kendra Distad opened the scoring at 9:40 with an even-strength goal, assisted by Tereza Plosova and Molly Jordan. Just over a minute later, Anabella Fanale doubled the margin with another even-strength goal at 8:52, assisted by Josefin Bouveng and Abbey Murphy. Sydney Morrow capped the period with a power-play goal at 17:27, assisted by Chloe Primerano and Emma Kreisz, to make it 5–0.
 
Bemidji State attempted a comeback in the third period against the Gophers, capitalizing on two power-play opportunities. Hailey Armstrong scored a power-play goal at 14:26, assisted by Isa Goettl and Morgan Smith, narrowing the deficit to 5-1. Later, Izy Fairchild added another power-play goal at 7:28, with assists from Armstrong and Goettl, reducing the gap to 5-2. In the final moments, Shelby Sandberg scored an unassisted goal with 34 seconds left, but Bemidji State ultimately fell short, concluding the game with a 5-3 loss to the Gophers.
 
The Beavers' three goals against the Gophers is the most since Feb. 8, 2020.
 
Bemidji State will attempt to split its WCHA series with the Gophers tomorrow afternoon when game two is played at Sanford Center at 3:32 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).

--bsu