Concordia University Wisconsin

ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Concordia University Wisconsin women's ice hockey team (1-0-1) battled the Bethel Royals (0-1-1) to a 2-2 tie through overtime before falling in a shootout on Saturday afternoon on the road.

The Falcons got off to a strong start, taking a 2-0 lead in the first period. Sophomore Abby Hansberger (Elk River, Minn.) opened the scoring at the 7:53 mark, finding the back of the net off assists from junior Sydney Fergusson (Bancroft, Ontario) and senior Naomi Black (Ottawa, Ontario).

Just over five minutes later, junior Scout Stromberg (Tomahawk, Wis.) extended the CUW lead to 2-0 with an even-strength goal at 13:22. Senior Mackaylan McGown (Inver Grove Heights, Minn.) recorded the assist.

Bethel responded early in the second period, cutting the deficit to one with a goal at the 1:22 mark. The Royals continued to apply pressure, but junior goalkeeper Gretchen Paaverud (Ramsey, Minn.) kept CUW in front with 15 saves.

The Royals evened the score at 2-2 early in the third period, converting on a power play at 3:27. 

Neither team found the back of the net for the remainder of regulation or during the five-minute overtime periods, sending the contest to a shootout.

Bethel's Rylen Kissell scored the lone goal of the shootout to secure the victory for the Royals. Paaverud finished the afternoon with 40 saves, while Hansberger led the Falcons with six shots on goal.

The Falcons will travel to Adrian, Michigan to face Adrian on Nov. 6 at 5 p.m. CST.