DULUTH, Minn. – The Bemidji State University fell just short of back-to-back upsets over a ranked opponent Friday afternoon falling to No. 10 University of Minnesota Duluth, 3–2, in their Western Collegiate Hockey Association series opener at AMSOIL Arena. Bemidji State scored in the first and third periods, including a power-play goal, but it was not enough to overcome the Bulldogs' three-goal effort. Beaver goaltender Ava Hills recorded 35 saves, while the team won a season-high of 36 faceoffs won in the game and were 61-percent in the circle.
 
Morgan Smith recorded her sixth multi-point effort of the season with a goal and an assist, converting on the power play, and won 14 faceoffs. Hailey Armstrong added a goal on three shots, scoring her team-leading 13^th goal of the season. Izy Fairchild recorded an assist and blocked three shots while posting a 73-percent faceoff win rate with a season-high 11 face-off wins.
 
The first period began with Bemidji State's Morgan Smith winning the opening faceoff against the Bulldogs' Caitlin Kraemer. Bemidji State took an early lead at 5:43 when Hailey Armstrong scored, assisted by Isa Goettl and Smith. UMD responded shortly after, equalizing at 7:10 with a power-play goal by Kraemer, assisted by Josie St. Martin and Danielle Burgen. Both teams maintained an intense pace throughout the period, ending it tied at 1–1.
 
Minnesota Duluth's Molly Cole extended the lead to 2–1 with her sixth goal of the season at 1:06, assisted by Grace Sadura and Kate Kosobud. Bemidji State had several opportunities earlier in the period, including a power play at 13:39 following penalties to Kraemer. However, goaltender Ève Gascon was steadfast, turning away numerous attempts from Bemidji State, including shots by Armstrong and Goettl. Ava Hills also made key saves for Bemidji State, but the team was unable to capitalize on their offensive chances, concluding the period with a one-goal deficit.
 
Bemidji State's Smith capitalized on a power-play opportunity at 14:04 of the third period to level the score at 2-2, assisted by Fairchild and Carmen Bray. The game remained tense as UMD's Zoey Krock broke the deadlock with a goal at 17:45, assisted by Kosobud, giving the home team a 3-2 lead. Despite Bemidji State pulling their goalie for an extra attacker, they were unable to find the equalizer. UMD held on to secure the series-opening victory.
 
Bemidji State goes for the series split tomorrow afternoon at 2:02 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).
 
--bsu--