SAINT PAUL, MINN.--The No. 25 Hamline Univeristy women's hockey team dropped their first conference game of the 2024-25 season despite a 34-17 shots advantage, thanks to Kallie Abrahamson's goal at 16:53 of the third period that propelled Bethel to a 2-1 victory at TRIA Rink on Saturday afternoon.

Hamline falls to 5-2-0, 3-1-0 MIAC, while the Royals improve to 3-2-1, 2-2-0 MIAC.

Bethel 2, Hamline 1

Hamline maintained offensive pressure with a series of shots early in the first period, though many were off-target or saved by Bethel's goalie, Ashley Gustafson. The Royals' defense, led by players like Beth Velasco with key blocks, held strong against the Pipers' aggressive play. At 11:05, Bethel's Julia Helget received a penalty for hooking, giving Hamline a power play, during which they continued to apply pressure but failed to capitalize. The period's lone goal came at 18:06, when Jaime Hort scored unassisted at even strength, giving Hamline a 1-0 lead by the end of the period.

The second period started with the Pipers winning the faceoff, but it was Bethel who struck first with a goal by Maddy Schuster at 16:56, assisted by Maddi O'Connor and Abrahamson. Throughout the period, both teams exchanged multiple shots, with Hamline's Kendra Nordick and Bethel's Ashley Gustafson making several saves.  Kylie Huseth served a two-minute penalty for cross-checking at 11:40, but Bethel was unable to capitalize on that power play. Despite numerous attempts from both sides, no additional goals were scored, leaving the score tied at 1-1 by the end of the second period.

In the third period, Bethel's dominance in faceoffs was evident as they won multiple crucial encounters, including one at 19:00. Hamline's offensive efforts were consistently thwarted by Bethel's defense, as several shots were blocked or saved by goaltender, Ashley Gustafson. Bethel capitalized on their opportunities with Abrahamson scoring the game-winning goal at 16:53, assisted by Siri Olson. Despite the Pipers' attempts to equalize with an empty net in the final minute, Bethel preserved their lead, concluding the period with a 2-1 victory.

Jaime Hort paced Hamline with one goal, contributing to her total of two shots on goal. Nikki Olund excelled in face-offs, winning 66 percent of her attempts, which is a highlight for the team. Similarly, Emme Nelson shares this face-off success, also achieving a 66 percent win rate. Ashlyn Abrahamson has been active offensively, recording seven shots, the highest on the team. Kendra Nordick, in the goaltender position, made 15 saves.

Kallie Abrahamson stood out for the Royals with her performance including one goal and one assist, totaling 2 points. She also recorded the game-winning goal and maintained a faceoff win percentage of 66. Malia McKinnon excelled in faceoffs with a perfect 100% win rate, winning all five of her attempts. Maddy Schuster contributed to the team's offensive efforts with one goal. On the defensive end, Evie Sellner was notable with three blocked shots, providing a solid defensive presence. Additionally, goalie Ashley Gustafson made 33 saves while allowing just one goal in a complete game effort.

The Pipers will host St. Scholastica at TRIA Rink on Friday, December 6 at 6 p.m.