WOMEN'S HOCKEY: Bemidji State dominant in 2-0 win over Minnesota State

BEMIDJI – Bemidji State’s home drought is no more.

After going 0-9-1 in 10 games at the Sanford Center this season, the BSU women’s hockey team finally got to celebrate in front of its home fans.

The Beavers dominated every aspect of the game, outshooting Minnesota State 41-10 and overwhelming the Mavericks for a 2-0 Western Collegiate Hockey Association win Friday night.

“We worked hard, and it was awesome,” BSU head coach Steve Sertich told Beaver Radio Network following the game. We had outstanding effort from everybody out there, and it was great.”

Natasha Kostenko and Emily Erickson each scored for the Beavers (5-14-2, 4-12-1 WCHA), while Jessica Havel earned her second-straight shutout in goal.

The win moves the Beavers out of the cellar in the WCHA standings and into seventh place.

The Mavericks (8-13-3, 4-11-3 WCHA) are in sixth. The Beavers have a chance to pull even with the Mavericks – and earn their first series sweep of the season – with a win this afternoon. The puck drops at 4:07 p.m. at the Sanford Center, weather permitting.

After a scoreless first period which featured an 8-1 BSU shots advantage, the Beavers poured it on in the second frame with 21 shots on goal compared to one for the Mavericks.

Kostenko broke the scoreless tie halfway through the second for her team-leading seventh goal of the season.

Kostenko, a sophomore from Fannystelle, Manitoba, slid one past MSU goaltender Danielle Butters at the 10:40 mark with an assist from Abby Williams.

The Beavers scored again in the third period. Emily Erickson made it 2-0 at the 9:12 mark of the third, with assists from Kaitlyn Tougas and Sadie Lundquist.

It was Erickson’s four goal of the season.

The Beavers held the Mavericks scoreless the rest of the way, thanks in part to tremendous shot-blocking work from its defense.

Senior defender Erika Wheelhouse blocked a team-high 13 shots to help out Havel, who made 10 saves for the Beavers.

Bemidji State 2, Minnesots State 0

Minnesota State 0 0 0 – 0

Bemidji State 0 1 1 – 2

First Period – No Scoring. Penalties – None.

Second Period – 1, BSU, Kostenko (Williams), 10:40. Penalties – MSU, Stoltz (Checking), 4:13; MSU, McCann (Tripping), 14:27.

Third Period – 2, BSU, Erickson (Tougas, Lundquist), 9:12. Penalties – None.

Goalies – MSU, Butters (41-39); BSU, Havel (10-10).

Shots On Goal – MSU (1-3-6-10); BSU (8-21-12-41).

Penalties-Minutes – MSU 2-4; BSU, 0-0.

Power Plays – MSU, 0-for-0; BSU 0-for-2.