The Bemidji State women's hockey team dropped a 5-2 decision to No. 3 Minnesota-Duluth on Friday afternoon at John S. Glas Fieldhouse. The Bulldogs scored four unanswered goals to claim their 23rd victory on the season.
With the loss Bemidji State (10-16-7, 9-11-7-3 WCHA) still sits in fifth place in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, pending the results of other conference games later this evening. It is still possible for Bemidji State to gain a home-ice playoff berth if Wisconsin loses its next two games to Minnesota, but BSU will need at least two points from tomorrow's game.
"I thought we had a great first period," head coach Steve Sertich said. "They're a skilled team and when they get chances they put them away. We had a lot of shots and a lot of good looks, but we couldn't quite finish tonight."
The Bulldogs jumped out on top first, scoring in the first four minutes of the game behind a goal by the conference's second leading scorer in Emmanuelle Blais.
Undeterred, the Beavers went on the power play just two minutes later looking to equalize. Annie Bauerfeld ripped a slap shot from the left circle that beat UMD goalie Jennifer Harss over the shoulder. Montana Vichorek and Erin Cody assisted on the play.
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The Beavers would take the lead in the second period when Cody netted her 18th goal of the season.
However, just like in the first period, the goal would soon be followed up by an opposing goal to equalize. Exactly three minutes after Cody's goal, the Bulldogs tied the game at 2-2. Just under 20 seconds later, UMD crashed the net and scored another goal in a scramble.
UMD added two goals in the third period.
The game was a busy night for the referees as there were 13 penalties called, including two pairs of coincidentals and one penalty shot. Jaime Rasmussen was called for hooking after taking down Cody on a breakaway in the second period. Cody was unable to put the puck in the net and was denied by Harss.
Alana McElhinney made 25 saves in net for the Beavers.
The Beavers wrap up the final regular season game ever at The Glas at 2:07 p.m. Saturday against Duluth.
The final game of the season will be crucial for the final standings in the WCHA, as the Beavers still have the potential to finish anywhere from sixth place to a tie for third.
