WINONA, Minn. — The Saint Mary's women's hockey team (8-10-2, 4-8-2) dropped a 3-0 conference decision to Bethel (10-9-2, 4-8-2) in a game that carried special meaning off the ice, featuring an honorary puck drop with Riley Vander Esch as part of the Cardinals' Mental Health Game and the team's Sophie's Squad night.

The Cardinals fired 21 shots on goal but were unable to break through Bethel's defense, as Royals goaltender Ashley Gustafson Hess turned aside every attempt to earn the shutout. 

Saint Mary's set the tone defensively in the opening period, with Magali Fillion making several key saves to keep the game scoreless. The Cardinals generated quality chances of their own, including a power play after a Bethel too-many-players penalty, but neither team found the back of the net in a tightly contested first period.

The Cardinals came out with energy in the second, controlling possession early and creating multiple power-play opportunities. Despite sustained offensive pressure, Saint Mary's couldn't convert, as Gustafson Hess continued to deny scoring chances. Bethel eventually broke the deadlock at 2:30 giving the Royals a 1-0 edge heading into the third.

Bethel added to its lead in the final period scoring at 16:50 and 10:28. Saint Mary's pushed back with scoring chances from Celia Midtbo and Kenzie Meland and called a timeout late in an effort to spark a rally, but the Cardinals were unable to solve the Bethel netminder.

The team is back in action taking on the No.1 ranked team on Tuesday, traveling to UW-River Falls to take on the Falcons to close out nonconference play.