MENDOTA HEIGHTS, Minn.-— After a 5-0 blowout win against Bethel Friday night, St. Thomas remains unbeaten in MIAC play after taking down Bethel 2-1 in a competitive matchup Saturday afternoon at St. Thomas Ice Arena.
St. Thomas (4-1-2, 4-0 MIAC) struck first as first-year forward/defender Allie Monrean buried an unassisted goal with 16 minutes remaining in the second period.
“We took it to them last night, but we knew they were going to come ready to go today,” coach Tom Palkowski said. “For the most part, every night is like that in the MIAC so if you’re not ready to play, you’re going to find yourself in some trouble.”
Bethel (3-4, 2-2 MIAC) responded with a goal of its own with three minutes left in the second period. Sophomore defender Courtney Johnston scored her first goal of the season with assists from forward Bailey Thompson and defender Kennedi Mitchell.
“We went into the locker room in between the second and third and we regrouped,” junior forward Shae McLean said. “It’s just another hockey game, another period, so let’s go out and finish what we started.”
Junior forward Alyssa Wallace scored the deciding goal with 15 minutes remaining in the third period to put the Tommies up 2-1. Wallace was assisted by first-year defender Emma Larson and junior forward Maddy Fielder.
“Our third period was our best and as a coach, that’s what you want to see,” Palkowski said.
The Tommies kept their foot on the gas pedal throughout the third as they beat the Royals for the second night in a row.
St. Thomas will travel to the Illinois Lake Forest invite Friday for a 4 p.m. game against UW-Eau Claire.
Joey Swanson can be reached at swan5350@stthomas.edu.