SAINT PAUL, Minn. — It was not the Cardinals night in Arden Hills as the Saint Mary's women's hockey team (8-9-2, 4-7-2) fell to Bethel (9-9-2, 3-8-2), 4–1, on Friday night. The Cardinals generated 22 shots on goal, with their lone tally coming late in the third period.

Saint Mary's opened the game with strong defensive play, as Celeste Rimstad turned aside several early scoring chances to keep Bethel off the board. The Cardinals also created offensive looks, but shots from Kylee Paul and Maggie Albers were stopped by the Royals' keeper. 

Bethel eventually struck at 18:31 of the first period giving the Royals a 1–0 lead after one.

Momentum proved difficult to find for Saint Mary's in the second period, as Bethel's defense and goaltender continued to deny scoring opportunities. Near-misses by Celia Midtbo and Albers kept the Cardinals off the scoreboard. Bethel took advantage of their chances, extending their lead 4–0 heading into the final period.

The Cardinals broke through late in the third when Sophia Paduano scored at 19:02, assisted by Mikayla Vasilevich, to cap a late offensive push. 

Despite the effort, Saint Mary's was unable to erase the earlier deficit, as Bethel secured the 4–1 victory.

The Cardinals get another crack at the Royals on home ice tomorrow for a 3:00 p.m. matchup.