University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
2-0-0, 2-0-0
Bemidji State
0-2-0, 0-2-0
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 2 | 2 | 1 | 5 |
| Bemidji St. | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
Gophers Complete Series Sweep of Beavers with 5-3 Win
10/3/2026 4:32:00 PM | Women's Hockey
BEMIDJI, Minn. – The No. 3-ranked University of Minnesota women's hockey team completed the series sweep of Bemidji State with a 5-3 victory on Saturday afternoon at the Sanford Center.
Minnesota carried play to begin the opening frame before cashing in on a power-play opportunity 6:33 into the period. Following a failed clear attempt by the Beavers, Chloe Primerano held the puck in the zone, skated into the high slot and fired a wrist shot that deflected off Bella Fanale and into the net for the game's opening tally.
Bemidji State responded at the 13:57 mark of the first period. The Beavers fired a shot off the crossbar on an odd-skater rush before pouncing on the loose rebound to equalize the game at 1-1.
The Gophers responded just over two minutes later. After a strong forecheck from Emma Kreisz, Minnesota forced a Beaver turnover. Julia Schalin found Sydney Bailey at the near-side point, and Bailey fired a shot through traffic and into the net to restore Minnesota's one-goal lead at 16:29.
Minnesota extended its lead to two just 2:41 into the second period. Fanale caused another Beaver turnover on the forecheck, picked up the loose puck and skated through the right faceoff circle. She fired a low wrist shot that found its way through the Beaver goaltender and into the net to make it 3-1.
Carly Humphrey tallied her second career goal to give the Gophers a three-goal cushion late in the second. Following a faceoff win by Ashley Allard, Ava Lindsay quickly found Humphrey near the left point. With traffic in front, Humphrey released a shot through the Beaver defense and into the net to extend Minnesota's lead to 4-1 with one minute remaining in the period.
The Beavers struck first in the final period, scoring a shorthanded goal on a two-on-one rush at the 5:06 mark to cut the Minnesota lead to 4-2.
Minnesota regained its three-goal advantage with just under six minutes remaining. Madison Kaiser found Maddie McCullough as she exited the penalty box for a breakaway. McCullough skated in on her forehand before switching to her backhand at the last second and finishing the chance to make it 5-2.
Bemidji State added one final goal with 1:26 remaining in regulation, but the Gophers held on for the 5-3 victory.
With the win, Minnesota improves to 2-0-0 (2-0-0 WCHA), while Bemidji State falls to 0-2-0 (0-2-0 WCHA).
Quotable
"Honestly similar to yesterday, I loved us in spurts and I didn't like us in chunks of the game as well," said head coach Greg "Boom" May. "A lot of it was what you expect from the first series of the year on the road. All in all, happy to get the win and complete the sweep."
Notable
- Fanale tallied her first multi-goal game of the season.
- Minnesota outshot the Beavers, 46-23.
- Kreisz was 12-for-15 in the faceoff dot.
- McCullough tallied her second consecutive game with a goal.
- Bailey and Humphrey each tallied their second career goals.
- The Gophers completed their first series sweep of the season.
Up Next
The Gophers return home to host Maine and Bemidji State in the East-West Showcase and Minnesota's home opener. Game one against the Black Bears is slated for Friday, Oct. 9 at 6 p.m. CT. Minnesota closes the weekend against the Beavers on Sunday, Oct. 11 at 2 p.m. CT. Both games will stream live on B1G+, with Sunday's contest also airing on FOX9+.
