BLAINE, Minn. -- The Augsburg University women's hockey team, currently ranked No. 3 in the latest USCHO.com Division III national poll and No. 2 in the D-III Hockey News Division III national poll, secured a 3–1 victory over Bethel University in a Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference matchup on Friday. Augsburg took control in the second period with two goals and added another in the third, maintaining their lead despite the Royals' efforts.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Augsburg 3, Bethel 1
LOCATION: Schwan Super Rink, Blaine, Minn.
RECORDS: Augsburg 11-2-1 overall (5-1-1 MIAC), Bethel 6-5-2 overall (1-4-2 MIAC)

GAME RECAP
The first period opened with Augsburg gaining an early advantage in faceoffs, including one won by Emily Schoeberl at the initial drop. Tenley Stewart and Mei Diesing were instrumental in defense, blocking shots to keep Bethel at bay. Despite several attempts, Augsburg was unable to capitalize on their offensive opportunities, leaving the period scoreless. Key saves by Auggie goalie Kayla Simonson ensured that the period ended with a 0-0 tie. Simonson ended up with 15 saves in the game.

Augsburg took control early in the second period with a power-play opportunity at 18:55, though they were unable to capitalize immediately. However, the momentum shifted decisively at 14:26 when Jenna Allen scored an even-strength goal, assisted by Schoeberl, giving the Auggies a 1-0 lead. Bethel briefly equalized at 11:41 with a goal by Beth Velasco Vincent, but Augsburg, reflecting their high national ranking, responded swiftly. At 8:16, Molly Grundhoffer netted the eventual game-winning goal, assisted by Kelsi Ries, restoring Augsburg's lead. Despite Bethel's efforts to level the score again, the Auggies maintained their advantage, ending the period ahead 2-1.

Augsburg solidified their lead in the third period with a goal at 13:06 by Kate Haug, assisted by Ella Olson, extending the score to 3-1. This even-strength goal was Haug's sixth of the season and came after a series of missed opportunities during an earlier power play. Bethel pulled their goalie in the final minutes but was unable to capitalize, as the Auggies maintained a defensive stronghold. 

AUGSBURG PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Jenna Allen: 1 goal, 1 blocked shot
• Molly Grundhoffer: 1 goal, 2 shots on goal, 1 blocked shot
• Kate Haug: 1 goal, 3 shots on goal
• Emma Abrahamson: 6 faceoff wins, 100% faceoff win percentage

BETHEL PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Beth Velasco Vincent: 1 goal, 100% faceoff win percentage
• Kristi Baillif: 1 assist
• Trinity Jackson: 1 assist, 2 blocked shots
• Ashley Gustafson Hess: 9 saves

UP NEXT
• In their next game, Augsburg University will host Bethel at Ed Saugestad Rink in Minneapolis on Saturday, Jan. 17 at 4 p.m.