NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. – The Bemidji State University Women's Hockey team secured a 3–1 series opening victory over Merrimack College Saturday night at Lawler Arena in North Andover, Mass. After a scoreless first period, Bemidji State took control in the second, netting two goals and maintaining their lead with a third-period tally. The defense held firm, allowing only one goal late in the game. Bemidji State's Kaitlin Groess recorded 29 saves, effectively neutralizing the Warriors' 30 shots on goal.
 
Autumn Cooper, Morgan Smith and Hailey Armstrong each netted goals for the Beavers with Smith netting the game-winning goal. Senja Leeper, Hannah Graves, Paige Smith, Raeley Carney and Talya Hendrickson each recorded assists. In total, eight different Beavers recorded a point in the victory.
 
The first period began with a faceoff between Carney and Avery Anderson, won by the Warriors. Bemidji State's Kaitlin Groess made crucial saves early, stopping shots from Maddie Crowley-Cahill and Olivia Grabianowski. The Warriors' Emma Pfeffer nearly broke the deadlock with a shot that hit the pipe at 15:47. Bemidji State countered with attempts from Carmen Bray and Talya Hendrickson, but Lauren Lyons kept the net secure for the Warriors. Despite multiple offensive efforts from both teams, including a late shot by Kasey Senden saved by Lyons, the period ended scoreless.
 
Bemidji State took the lead early in the second period when Cooper scored at 15:48, assisted by Leeper and Graves. This goal marked Cooper's second of the season. Shortly thereafter, Bemidji State was penalized for boarding, putting the Warriors on a power play, but Groess made crucial saves to maintain the shutout. At 9:30, Morgan Smith doubled the lead with her seventh of the season, assisted by Paige Smith, solidifying Bemidji State's advantage. Despite continued pressure from the Warriors, including multiple shots on goal, Groess kept the net secure, and the period ended with Bemidji State up 2–0.
 
Bemidji State extended its lead early in the third period with a goal from Armstrong at 19:15, assisted by Carney and Hendrickson. Despite the Warriors pulling their goalie for an extra attacker late in the period, Groess made multiple saves to maintain the advantage. Kerttu Lehmus managed to score for the Warriors with 44 seconds remaining, assisted by Maria Lindberg and McKenzie Cerrato, but Bemidji State secured the 3–1 victory.
 
Groess earned her fourth win of the season improving her record to 4-7-1 while the Beavers improved to 5-12-1 overall.
 
The Beavers will go for their second series sweep of the season tomorrow night when the two teams meet for game two at 6 p.m. CST.
 
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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