Box Score  Bemidji, Minn. --- The Minnesota State women’s hockey team was unable to capture its first conference win of the New Year as it fell to Bemidji State, 2-0, Friday evening in a Western Collegiate Hockey Association contest at the Sanford Center.
 
Neither squad could snap the scoreless tie in the opening period as Minnesota State junior Danielle Butters stopped all eight Beaver shots sent her way.
 
However, Bemidji State broke through at 10:40 of the second period thanks to Natasha Kostenko who slammed home a loose puck after a scramble in front of the crease to provide BSU with a one-goal edge at the second intermission.
 
The Beavers stretched the lead to two at 9:12 of the third period when Emily Erickson slid the puck into the right side after a Kaitlyn Tougas shot ricocheted off the crossbar to close out the scoring for BSU.
 
Butters finished with a game-high 39 saves, while reigning WCHA Defensive Player of the Week - Jessica Havel - stopped all 10 shots she faced to earn the shutout. The Beavers - who were held scoreless on the only two power-play opportunities of the game - outshot the Mavericks 41-10.
 
Minnesota State (8-12-3 overall, 4-10-3-1 WCHA) goes for the split tomorrow afternoon with the drop of the puck set for 4:07 p.m. at the Sanford Center.