WINONA, Minn. - On Friday night, the Saint Mary's women's hockey (13-7-0) team hosted the Bethel Royals (10-9-1) for the second of three games this week. The Cardinals gave up two early goals in the first period, and the Royals maintained the lead throughout, securing a 3-1 victory.

Kas Kingston scored the only goal for the Cardinals with a power-play goal, unassisted. 

Despite a strong defensive effort with key blocks by Sophia Paduano and Leah Parker, the Cardinals allowed two goals in the first period, the first at 11:49 and a second at 6:20. The Cardinals thought they had plenty of time to make a comeback.

The second period began with the Cardinals applying early pressure as Celia Midtbo took two quick shots, one blocked and the other saved. At 16:30, Kingston scored a power-play goal for the Cardinals, marking her fourth goal of the season and drawing the team within a goal heading into the final period.

In the third period, the Cardinals had a strong defensive showing. The period saw a series of scoring attempts from the Cardinals, including shots by Kenzie Meland, Paduano, and Midtbo though Bethel's goalie made key saves. 

Despite a late push and a power play opportunity starting at 03:56, the Cardinals were unable to capitalize, and Bethel scored an empty-net goal at 00:27, sealing a 3-1 victory.

The Cardinals have another crack at the Royals Ice tomorrow for a 6 p.m. puck drop.