BLAINE, Minn. - The Bethel University women's hockey team returned to action with a big win over Northland College Friday night by a 4-0 score. The Royals scored first late in the first period and then blew the game open with three goals, two of the empty net variety, in the final four minutes of the game. Bethel recorded double digit shots in each period, outshooting the Lumberjills (3-8-1) by a 34-25 margin. Mallory Tidona was outstanding in goal for Bethel, making 25 saves to record the first shutout and first victory of her career. The freshman from Northfield, Minn. stopped 10 shots by the Jills in the third period when they made their strongest push to tie the game, playing several minutes with an extra skater.

Bri Stafne got the Royals a lead early on with a short handed snipe at 16:03 in the first. Kennedi Mitchell assisted Stafne. Grace Halvorson was able to give Bethel some breathing room finally with 3:57 remaining in the game to put Bethel up 2-0. Bailey Thompson assisted on Halvorson's score. The Jills then pulled their goalie after the score and just 45 seconds later the Royals scored their third goal when Sarina Goos found the empty net with assists from Ellen Seibel and Annie Gydesen. Northland continued to leave their net open and Bethel made them pay again with the fourth goal with 24 seconds remaining in the game. Courtney Johnston scored from Kaylyn Forliti.

The win improves Bethel to 2-8-1 on the season and the Royals will look for the sweep of the LumberJills on Saturday afternoon. Bethel will host Northland once again with a 3 p.m. faceoff in Bethel University Arena.