Box Score The HU women's hockey team broke from the gate quickly, scoring three first period goals en route to their fourth consecutive victory, a 4-1 decision over Bethel Friday night at Oscar Johnson Arena that moved the Pipers within two points of first place

Melanie Bartenstein, Sadie Baker and Courtney Koemptgen all tallied in an explosive first period that saw HU outshoot the visitors by a whopping 24-6 margin. When Brede Postier whipped a shot under the crossbar in the first minute of the second period, HU had a 4-0 lead and looked to be on their way to an easy night. 

But the Royals stiffened and, although HU had many more chances (they finished with 41 shots on goal), that was the end of the Piper scoring. The Royals managed a mid second period goal but that was it as far as goalie Jamie Hathaway was concerned. She finished with 25 saves. 

The win upped Hamline's MIAC mark to 8-3 and their overall standard to 10-7-1.The eight wins is one more than they garnered last season and is the most recorded in a MIAC season by a HU women's puck contingent since the 2007-08 team finished 8-7-3 in league play. The school record for conference wins is 10. 

The Pipers are now part of a three-way deadlock for second place with Concordia (also 8-3) and Gustavus Adolphus (7-2-2). Each team has 16 points, two behind league leader Augsburg (9-2, 18 points). 

HU doesn't have much time to celebrate. They face the Royals on Saturday at 3 p.m. in Blaine.