University of St. Thomas Athletics
10-7-4
Bethel
10-8-3
Wild third period ends in 2-2 tie for women's hockey
2/7/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Hockey
BLAINE, Minn. – After a quiet first two periods, a wild third period that featured four combined goals led to a 2-2 tie with Bethel for the St. Thomas women's hockey team on Saturday night at Schwan's Super Rink. With the result, the Tommies move to 10-7-4 overall and 9-1-4 in the MIAC, while the Royals are now 10-8-3 overall and 5-6-3 in league play.
Bethel came out to hold a 19-13 shot advantage through the first two periods, which saw the two teams to a scoreless tie. Through those two periods, the Royals could not take advantage of five power play opportunities. Nor could St. Thomas connect on its one chance with the advantage.
The Tommies opened the final period with a pair of goals to take a 2-0 lead before the Royals came back to answer with a pair of goals of their own. Karina Merette scored at 5:31 with assists from Tori Bailey and Allison Borgstrom.
Megan Juricko followed six minutes later with a power play goal thanks to assists from Courtney Umland and Heidi Winiecki.
However, the Royals came back with goals from Caroline Kivisto and Lauren Kolak to tie the game and send the two teams to overtime.
In the five-minute extra period, the Royals outshot UST 3-1, but could not find the back of the net, as the contest ended in the 2-2 tie.
For the game, Bethel finished with a 29-24 advantage in shots and was 0-for-6 on the power play, while St. Thomas finished 1-for-4 with the advantage.
Tommie goaltender Taylor Neisen saved 27 of the 29 shots she faced and moves to 4-4-2 on the year. Her counterpart, Michelle Klimstra put forth a 22-save effort.
St. Thomas will next take on Gustavus in a key MIAC series next weekend. The Tommies will host the Gusties on Friday night for a 7:30 p.m., start before traveling to St. Peter on Saturday for a 2:00 p.m., matinee.
