BLAINE, Minn. - The Bethel University women's hockey team was defeated by the visiting Aurora University Spartans Friday night in Bethel University Arena by a 5-1 score. The Spartans scored twice in the first ten minutes of the first period to take an early lead and never looked back. Bethel scored 

Aurora held an 18-6 shot advantage in the first period, scoring twice, with each team whistled for two penalties each. McKayla Machlitt scored the Royals goal on a power play with assists from Lindsay Albers and Makenzie Baker. The second period saw Aurora called for three penalties to just one on Bethel but far less shots were taken. AU held a 7-4 advantage in the third while scoring two more goals. 

In the third period the Royals had several good looks midway through the period as they looked to mount a comeback but were unable to convert. BU held the shot advantage through most of the third period but Aurora ended up with an 8-7 advantage and the Spartans tacked on one more score with 49 seconds remaining.  

The loss drops Bethel to 2-1 overall while Aurora improves to 3-0. The two teams will finish the series on Saturday at 2 p.m. from Bethel University Arena.