By Jackson Gerber, Staff Writer

The Augsburg University Women’s Hockey team completed a successful sweep of the Bethel Royals last weekend. The Auggie’s beat the Royals 2-1 at Ed Saugestad Rink on Friday and then 3-2 at the Schwan Super Rink in Blaine the following night.      

In the first game, the Auggies took an early lead when junior Megan Johnson scored her first goal of the season on a power play in the first period. Assists were given to junior Valerie Whichello and sophomore Nikki Nightengale. The Royals tied it up in the third, but the Auggies had a quick answer scoring just 21 seconds later on sophomore Jeanette Bealke’s first collegiate goal. Sophomore Bridget Wagner got the lone assist on the goal, Junior McKenna Manalli, making her second collegiate start in goal, had 12 saves to claim the victory.    

It was the Royals who took the early lead in the second game, but Sophomore Emily Ach tied it up on her first of two goals on the night. The second period belonged to the Royals as they scored another goal and lead 2-1 going into the third period, but it was all Augsburg for the rest of the game. Junior Bridget Walter scored her first goal of the season on an assist from junior Kayla Murray to tie the game up just 89 seconds into the third period. Then it was Emily Ach once again who scored the game-winning goal just a few minutes later. First year McKenna Ellena assisted on both of Ach’s goals in the contest. Manalli improved to 3-0-0 on the season, posting 23 saves on the night.     

The Auggies are now 3-1-0 on the season and face Saint Mary’s in a MIAC doubleheader this weekend. They are hosting the Cardinals on Friday and then travel to Winona on Saturday.

This article first appeared in the Friday, November 17, 2017, Edition of The Echo.