The women’s hockey team opened its season against Bethel University last weekend, losing the first game 6-1. Despite the loss, they went on to outshoot Bethel 25-20 in the next game.

All three Blugold goalies saw ice time in the first game. Junior Mara Stormer got the start, allowing three goals on eight shots.

Sophomore Ally Derthick played the second period allowing two goals on seven shots. The only senior on the team, Morgan Pieper, allowed one goal on five shots.

The lone goal of the night came from sophomore Stephanie Hatcher, assisted by junior Dani Kerr.

The points were kept in mind as the second game started off all Blugolds, outshooting Bethel 15-8 in the first period.

Eight minutes into the third, junior assistant captain Allison Malecek knotted things up with the assist from junior Emily Haluska. Two minutes later McMullen banged in the powerplay goal to give the Blugolds the lead.

After a five minute overtime and seven big saves by Pieper the game ended 2-2. She saw a total of 39 shots.

Head Coach Mike Collins said this year there are more new faces than past seasons with ten new additions to the team, nine of which are freshmen.

“Our lack of experience was exposed,” Collins said. “We need to understand how to play with the lead … It’s about physical and mental toughness.”

The game showed the Blugolds a lot about “where (they) are at,” Malecek said. “We try to put our best foot forward every weekend.”

McMullen said the team needs all of the players — including freshmen — to step up to the game.

“We also need upperclassman to step (up) because we don’t have a stay player this year,” she said.

McMullen was referencing All-American Kristin Faber, who graduated last year with 22 goals and 10 assists. Faber is now an assistant coach for the Blugolds.

“She knows a lot of the players being only one year out and is a great asset to the program,” McMullen said.

McMullen said a good goal for the team would be to host the playoffs again.

“It would be hard because of loss of talent, but a good goal,” McMullen said.

The Blugolds will next host St. Scholastica (Minn.) this Saturday at Hobbs Ice Arena, starting at 2:00 p.m.

Collins said there is a lot of potential and room to improve and get better over the season.

“We have a great core of returning players who worked hard this offseason and preseason,” Collins said. “They are showing by example their work ethic and commitment.”