BLAINE, Minn. – The Trine University women's hockey team scored a late goal, but ultimately fell to their hosts from Bethel (Minn.) University by the score of 4-1.

The Royals scored the first three goals of the game, to build a 3-0 lead with just half of a period remaining. Claire Schmaltz played the game in net for the Thunder and was under fire from start to finish. She ended the contest with 37 saves despite allowing three goals.

The home team took their fifth penalty of the game in the 18^th minute of the third period, giving a power play opportunity. Just seconds after the penalty, Payton Hans fired a shot toward the goal that caused a scrum to form in front of the crease. Emma-Lyn Stephenson ultimately poked the puck free to the far side of the net. Kailey Mleko pushed the loose puck into the net for the goal.

Trine pulled their goalie before the penalty even officially started and Schmaltz remained on the bench after the goal, with the team looking for any chance at another goal. Bethel scored on the unprotected net with a little more than a minute remaining to ice the game at 4-1.

The Thunder fall to 5-8-2 overall after the loss. The team will return to Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA) play for their next contest, which is scheduled for Friday, January 17. Trine is set to travel to face Lawrence University with the opening faceoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m.