The University of Minnesota Duluth women's hockey team suffered a 4-1 loss to Bemidji State University Friday afternoon, in Bemidji, Minn. -- the Bulldogs first Western Collegiate Hockey Association action of new year.

"We are certainly disappointed not to take three points today," said assistant coach Laura Bellamy.  "I thought we had a great start with some quality chances, but weren't able to capitalize and unfortunately got ourselves in a two-goal hole.  Ultimately we didn't utilize our speed the way we wanted to and that hurt us.  We will make some adjustments for tomorrow in pursuit of a different result."

UMD fell behind 2-0 in the first period after Beaver forward Lydia Passolt netted a backhand goal at 13:55 and then knocked in her second score of the stanza at 16:00.

Ashton Bell sliced that lead in half with a power play goal from the slot 4:49 into the second period, finishing off a passing sequence from Naomi Rogge and Ryleigh Houston.  But BSU regained its two-goal lead five minutes later, and after 40 minutes of action, the Beavers held a 3-1 advantage.

The Beavers scored an insurance breakaway goal by Ellie Moser at 17:20 of the third period to secure the 4-1 win and a fourth place tie with UMD in the WCHA standings.  The win also extends BSU's record seven-game home winning streak.

BSU had the slight 32-30 shots on goal advantage but was held scoreless in two power play attempts.  UMD's  lone goal came with an extra skater (1-of-2) and got 28 saves from goaltender Maddie Rooney.

The Bulldogs (7-10-2, 4-8-1) and Beavers (8-13-1, 5-7-1) will hit the ice for their last regular season skate tomorrow at 1:07 p.m. at the Sanford Center in Bemidji, Minn.