The Bemidji State University women’s hockey team defeated the Minnesota State University, Mankato Mavericks, 4-1 today at Sanford Center. The Beavers improve to 5-6-2 overall and 2-4-1 in Western Collegiate Hockey Association play, while the Mavericks drop to 3-7-0 overall and 0-7-0 in WCHA action.

The Beavers struck first with a goal at the 4:14 mark by Allie Duellman (D, Sr., Maplewood, Minn.), her second in as many games, which came directly after the faceoff was won by Lauren Miller (F, Fr., Brockville, Ontario).

The Mavericks struck back with 5:30 left in the first stanza on an unassisted goal by Kari Lundberg.

BSU’s penalty-kill was tested often thanks to three penalties called. Bemidji State was able to stave off the Mavericks as it killed off all three man-advantage opportunities.

In the second period, Bemidji State out-shot the Mavericks 17-6, but the Mavericks defense stopped all the shots except the last one. Rachael Kelly (F, Jr., Rosemount, Minn.) scored with just two second remaining in the period on a power play. Ivana Bilic (F, So., Coquitlam, British Columbia) and Miller both chipped in assists on the goal.

Bemidji State added two insurance goals in the third period. The first came off the stick of Kaitlyn Tougas (F, So., Thunder Bay, Ontario). Tougas continues to play her best agains Minnesota State. She has scored four goals in five career games against the Mavericks. The second goal was scored by Hanna Moher (F, So., Milton, Ontario). Moher continues to be the Beavers’ biggest threat scoring, as it was her team-leading sixth lampligher of the season.

In between the pipes, Brittni Mowat (G, Fr., Glenboro, Manitoba) earned her fifth win overall and second in WCHA play. Mowat’s record improves to 5-5-2.

The Beavers (5-6-2 overall, 2-4-1 WCHA) will look to earn its second sweep of the season tomorrow as they take on Minnesota State (3-8-0 overall, 0-7 WCHA). The puck drops at 2:07 p.m. from the Sanford Center.