BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Bemidji State University Women's Hockey team fell to No. 13 Minnesota State University, Mankato, 3–0, Friday at Sanford Center in game one of their Western Collegiate Hockey Association series. Despite a strong performance from the Bemidji State goaltender Ava Hils, who made 38 saves, the Beavers were held scoreless by MSU goaltender Hailey Hansen.
 
Amber Fryklund remarked, "Certainly not the result that we wanted tonight. I think there's a lot of frustration and disappointment in that game." The team struggled offensively, managing only two shots on net in the first period. Fryklund noted the defensive pressure from MSU, stating, "Mankato came to play. They made it hard for us. They caused a lot of turnovers and they were able to capitalize." Despite the loss, Fryklund emphasized the significance of hosting a Sophie Squad game, highlighting the opportunity to promote mental health awareness and advocacy. Looking ahead, Fryklund urged her team to regroup for their next matchup, aiming to generate more scoring opportunities.
 
Ava Hills made 38 saves in goal, including stopping 35 of the Maverick's first 36 shots in the game allowing the team to remain within striking distance in the third period.
 
The Mavericks secured an early lead in the first period with Ava Guillemette scoring at 5:46, assisted by Taylor Otremba and Ayla Puppe. The period saw MSU applying pressure with multiple shots on goal, but Hills, made several crucial saves to limit the damage. Despite Bemidji State's efforts to create offensive opportunities, it ended the period trailing 1–0.
 
During the second period, both teams struggled to find the net despite multiple opportunities. Bemidji State and the Mavericks exchanged shots, with Hills making several saves for Bemidji State, including critical stops on attempts by Makayla Moran and Lauren Zawoyski. The period included a power play for the Mavericks following a hooking penalty at 10:33, but Bemidji State's penalty kill unit held firm, preventing any scoring. The period ended scoreless with Hills making 15-of-15 saves in the period.
 
MSU extended their lead over Bemidji State with a goal from Zawoyski at 13:48, assisted by Sophie Stramel. The Mavericks capitalized again shortly after, as Mercury Bischoff found the net at 10:55 with help from Kamryn Van Batavia, marking Bischoff's 15th goal of the season. Despite Bemidji State's power play opportunity following a penalty on Mika Cichosz, the Mavericks' defense, led by goaltender Hailey Hansen, held firm, preserving a 3-0 victory. Hills once made several key saves for Bemidji State, but their offense could not break through the Mavericks' defensive efforts.
 
The Beavers will look to secure the series sweep tomorrow evening as the two teams travel to Grand Rapids, Minn., for game two at Yanmar Arena. The Beavers and Mavericks will participate in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum Face-off Classic to showcase collegiate women's hockey across local communities. Puck drop is scheduled for 4:02 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).
 
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