Bemidji State University

BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Bemidji State University women's hockey team scored three goals but could not climb out of a three-goal deficit, falling 5-3 to No. 3 University of Minnesota Saturday afternoon at Sanford Center. The Golden Gophers improved to 2-0-0 on the young season, while the Beavers dropped to 0-2-0.
 
Despite being outshot 46-23, Bemidji State received another strong performance from goaltender Sophia Villanueva, who turned aside 41 shots, including 17 saves during the second period. The Beavers also blocked 13 shots and scored three times against one of the nation's top teams.
 
Minnesota opened the scoring at 6:33 of the first period when Anabella Fanale converted on the power play. Bemidji State answered just over seven minutes later as Lola Macuiba continued her strong opening weekend, forcing a turnover and scoring an unassisted goal to tie the game 1-1 at 13:57. The goal was Macuiba's second in as many games.
 
The Gophers regained the lead before the first intermission when Sydney Bailey scored with 3:31 remaining in the opening frame to send Minnesota into the locker room ahead 2-1.
 
Minnesota extended its advantage early in the second period behind a second goal from Fanale just 2:41 into the frame. The Gophers carried play throughout the period and added what proved to be the game-winning goal at the 19:00 mark, when Carly Humphrey scored to make it 4-1 heading into the final 20 minutes.
 
The Beavers refused to go away. While shorthanded early in the third period, Hailey Armstrong broke free and scored her first goal of the season at 5:06, cutting the Minnesota lead to 4-2. The shorthanded marker was Bemidji State's first of the season and brought the home crowd back into the game.
 
Minnesota restored its three-goal cushion midway through the period when Madeline McCullough scored at 14:04. Bemidji State answered once more with 1:26 remaining as Davina Davis scored her first goal as a Beaver off assists from Kasey Senden and Morgan Smith, but the Beavers could get no closer in the 5-3 final.
 
Macuiba, Armstrong and Davis accounted for the Bemidji State offense, while Senden and Smith each recorded an assist. Villanueva's 41-save effort marked the highest save total of the series after stopping 32 shots Friday night.
 
Minnesota was led by Fanale, who scored twice, while McCullough, Bailey and Humphrey each added goals. The Gophers controlled the faceoff circle, winning 43 of 58 draws.
 
Bemidji State will hit the road for the first time his season for a pair of non-conference games against University of Maine and Minnesota at Ridder 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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