Winter athletics recap: Women’s basketball reaches Sweet Sixteen for first time since ’96, men’s track and field wins fourth straight MIAC title

Bethel’s winter teams combined for a MIAC title, an NCAA Sweet Sixteen appearance, a fourth-straight conference championship, and multiple postseason runs, highlighting depth and momentum across the athletics department.

By Jason Schoonover ‘09, senior web content specialist

April 29, 2026 | 1:45 p.m.

Bethel players celebrate NCAA tournament advancement with bracket

The Bethel University women’s basketball team reached the NCAA Division III Sweet Sixteen for just the second time in program history—and the first time since 1996—highlighting a season that reshaped expectations for the program. “It is a huge accomplishment for our program and validates all of the hard work and dedication that our players have put into the program to get us to only our second Sweet 16 in program history,” says Women’s Basketball Head Coach Jon Herbrechtsmeyer. 

And it wasn’t easy. The women’s basketball team overcame several injuries and illnesses to win the MIAC playoff championship, receive the automatic bid to the NCAA tournament, and then reach the Sweet Sixteen. Through it all, Herbrechtsmeyer and Director of Athletics Greg Peterson praised the team for finding a way to come together and reach their goals. “You can tell by how they cheer for each other and take care of each other that they care deeply,” Peterson says. 

Across the Department of Athletics, Bethel teams competed at a high level during the 2025-26 winter season. “Our teams represented Bethel really well, and it is so cool to see how our students come out and support them in competition,” Peterson says.

Bethel team celebrates MIAC indoor championship with trophy

Other highlights include:

  • Men’s track and field captured its fourth consecutive MIAC Indoor Championship and placed 12th nationally.
  • Men’s hockey reached the MIAC Semifinals for the third straight season.
  • Women’s hockey won its final six games to earn a MIAC Playoff berth.
  • Men’s basketball laid a strong foundation under first-year head coach Gabe Miller.
  • Men’s basketball added key conference wins and individual milestones.

To Peterson, the winter season reflects what makes Bethel athletics distinct—a blend of strong competition and the deep personal growth and development of student-athletes. “The blend of being highly competitive and the off-the-field success—academic success and life transformation—creates a great experience for our student-athletes and creates excitement across campus,” says Peterson. 

That approach is shaped by coaches who set both a high standard and a strong foundation of support within their programs. “Our coaches invest so much in their programs and the lives of their student-athletes that they continue to build and create an atmosphere where they blend high expectations with high care for the young men and women under their leadership,” Peterson says.

Here’s a recap of the 2025-26 winter season:

Bethel teammates celebrate point with energetic huddle

Women’s basketball (24-7 overall, 14-4 MIAC)

Early in the season, the Bethel University women’s basketball team set a clear goal: to advance to at least the NCAA Division III Sweet Sixteen.

They held onto that goal through numerous challenges during the season. “There were definitely moments where it felt like it might slip away,” says senior guard Colette Duininck. “But through everything we went through, we still found a way to stay together and get it done. I’m just really proud of this group.”

The team overcame that adversity to deliver one of the best seasons in program history, finishing 24-7 overall and 14-4 in MIAC play. Bethel women won the conference playoff championship and reached their goal of advancing to the NCAA Division III Sweet Sixteen for just the second time in program history. 

While Herbrechtsmeyer says his 2025-26 team stood out for its talent and commitment, he was most struck by how the group responded to adversity. “We suffered through numerous injuries and illnesses that we had to work through, and the girls found a way to come together to achieve the result they wanted,” he says.  

Duininck attributes the team’s success to their deep connection and buy-in. Every player embraced her role and pushed through challenges. “The chemistry of this team is really special,” she says. “We loved being around each other, and that made such a big difference all season. Practices were competitive and fun, and it never felt like a drag to show up.”

The Royals maintained a national presence throughout the season, climbing as high as No. 13 in the country and entering the NCAA Tournament on an eight-game winning streak.

Junior forward Emily Erickson led the MIAC in scoring and became the 20th member of the program’s 1,000-point club, while Duininck led the conference in assists and steals.

Bethel’s postseason run included a MIAC championship victory over Concordia-Moorhead and a second-round NCAA Tournament win over Coe. “For our team, it was really special to see everything come together at the right time,” says Duininck. “We set goals early on, and being able to achieve them made all the ups and downs worth it.”

The Royals’ season concluded against No. 3 Washington and Lee in the Sweet Sixteen.

Herbrechtsmeyer sees the Sweet Sixteen run as a milestone and a starting point. While the season generated momentum and excitement around the program, he emphasized that future success will require the same commitment and daily investment.

With a strong core of returning players and a talented incoming class, the next group will need to invest in that same process to reach its potential. “Every season starts from the beginning, and our team must go through all the same steps that every team must go through,” he says. “The momentum and positive finish this year is to be celebrated, but we still have to do all the same work again next year in order to yield positive results in the future.”

Season highlights

  • MIAC championship. Defeated top-seeded Concordia-Moorhead 62-55 to secure the program’s second MIAC Playoff title and an automatic NCAA bid.
  • Sweet Sixteen run. Advanced to the NCAA Division III Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 1996 with a 57-48 win over Coe.
  • Semifinal surge. Forced 20 steals in a win over Gustavus Adolphus to reach the MIAC championship game.
  • Scoring milestone. Emily Erickson reached 1,000 career points during a MIAC Quarterfinal win over St. Scholastica.

Awards, achievements, and milestones

  • D3hoops.com All-Region Second Team: Emily Erickson
  • MIAC All-Conference: Emily Erickson, Colette Duininck, Elly Schmitz
  • 1,000-point milestone: Emily Erickson
  • D3hoops.com Preseason All-American: Elly Schmitz
  • CSC Academic All-District: Alaina Bonacquista, Colette Duininck, Emily Erickson, Rosalie Penke
  • MIAC All-Playoff Team: Alli Born, Rosalie Penke, Cally Peterson
  • D3hoops.com Team of the Week: Elly Schmitz (Week 3), Emily Erickson (Week 9)

Individual highlights

Emily Erickson, forward. Led the MIAC in scoring and paced the Royals offensively throughout the season. Reached the 1,000-point milestone and scored 31 points in an NCAA Tournament win.

Emily Erickson, forward. Led the MIAC in scoring and paced the Royals offensively throughout the season. Reached the 1,000-point milestone and scored 31 points in an NCAA Tournament win.

Elly Schmitz, forward. Finished second on the team in scoring and led in rebounding. Posted 29 points and 16 rebounds in a win over St. Catherine.

Elly Schmitz, forward. Finished second on the team in scoring and led in rebounding. Posted 29 points and 16 rebounds in a win over St. Catherine.

Cally Peterson, forward. A vital frontcourt presence who earned MIAC All-Playoff Team honors. She delivered a double-digit performance in the MIAC Championship win over Concordia with 14 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.

Cally Peterson, forward. A vital frontcourt presence who earned MIAC All-Playoff Team honors. She delivered a double-digit performance in the MIAC Championship win over Concordia with 14 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.

Alaina Bonacquista, guard. Emerged as a reliable spark off the bench and earned CSC Academic All-District honors. Delivered a key moment in the Sweet Sixteen with a buzzer-beating tip-in against No. 3 Washington & Lee, and recorded a perfect shooting performance (5-5 FG, 2-2 FT) for 12 points in a road win over St. Olaf.

Alaina Bonacquista, guard. Emerged as a reliable spark off the bench and earned CSC Academic All-District honors. Delivered a key moment in the Sweet Sixteen with a buzzer-beating tip-in against No. 3 Washington & Lee, and recorded a perfect shooting performance (5-5 FG, 2-2 FT) for 12 points in a road win over St. Olaf.

Alli Born, guard/forward. Provided defensive presence and rebounding across the season. Recorded 14 rebounds against Augsburg and a double-double against UW-River Falls.

Alli Born, guard/forward. Provided defensive presence and rebounding across the season. Recorded 14 rebounds against Augsburg and a double-double against UW-River Falls.

Colette Duininck, guard. Led the conference in assists and steals while directing the offense. Recorded 11 assists against Carleton and seven steals in a MIAC Semifinal win.

Colette Duininck, guard. Led the conference in assists and steals while directing the offense. Recorded 11 assists against Carleton and seven steals in a MIAC Semifinal win.

Men's indoor track and field

Men’s track: Bethel runner leads sprint race on indoor track

The Bethel University men’s track and field team captured its fourth consecutive MIAC Indoor Championship and placed 12th at the NCAA Division III Indoor Championships, continuing one of the most successful stretches in program history.

The Royals scored 167 points to win the conference title and followed with a strong national showing, reinforcing their position among the top teams in NCAA Division III.

Senior Grant Nelson led the team with a runner-up finish in the 400-meter dash at the NCAA Championships, earning All-American honors, while sprinter Landen Liu secured his fourth consecutive First Team All-American finish in the 60-meter dash.

The program also swept major MIAC awards, with Nelson named Track Athlete of the Year, Logan Swanson earning Rookie of the Year, and head coach Andrew Rock receiving Coach of the Year honors for the fourth straight season.

Season highlights

  • Conference championship. Won the MIAC Indoor Championship for the fourth consecutive year with 167 team points.
  • National finish. Placed 12th at the NCAA Division III Indoor Championships.
  • Sustained excellence. Landen Liu earned his fourth straight First Team All-American honor in the 60-meter dash.

Awards and milestones

  • National runner-up: Grant Nelson (400m, 47.20)
  • First Team All-American: Landen Liu (60m, fourth consecutive)
  • Second Team All-American: Pryce Ferrin (60m hurdles)
  • MIAC Track Athlete of the Year: Grant Nelson
  • MIAC Rookie of the Year: Logan Swanson
  • MIAC Coach of the Year: Andrew Rock (fourth consecutive)
  • School record: Nick Bovitz (long jump, 6.98m)
  • School record: 4x200m relay (Sam Raitz, Stephen Feig, Will Sportel, Grant Nelson, 1:28.36)

Individual highlights

Grant Nelson, senior sprints/jumps. Led the team’s sprint group and scored across multiple events. Finished as NCAA runner-up in the 400m with a time of 47.20.

Grant Nelson, senior sprints/jumps. Led the team’s sprint group and scored across multiple events. Finished as NCAA runner-up in the 400m with a time of 47.20.

Landen Liu, sprinter. Earned All-American honors in the 60m for the fourth straight season. Placed fourth at the NCAA Indoor Championships.

Landen Liu, sprinter. Earned All-American honors in the 60m for the fourth straight season. Placed fourth at the NCAA Indoor Championships.

Timmy Ball, throws. Won the MIAC weight throw title and added points in the shot put. Ranked nationally in the shot put during the season.

Timmy Ball, throws. Won the MIAC weight throw title and added points in the shot put. Ranked nationally in the shot put during the season.

Pryce Ferrin, hurdles. Won the MIAC 55m hurdles title and competed at the NCAA Championships. Finished 16th nationally in the 60m hurdles.

Pryce Ferrin, hurdles. Won the MIAC 55m hurdles title and competed at the NCAA Championships. Finished 16th nationally in the 60m hurdles.

Logan Swanson, freshman hurdles. Broke a facility record in the 55m hurdles and ranked nationally during the season. Reached No. 24 in Division III in the 60m hurdles.

Logan Swanson, freshman hurdles. Broke a facility record in the 55m hurdles and ranked nationally during the season. Reached No. 24 in Division III in the 60m hurdles.

Nick Bovitz, jumps. Set a school record in the long jump at 6.98m. Won both horizontal jump events at the MIAC Championships.

Nick Bovitz, jumps. Set a school record in the long jump at 6.98m. Won both horizontal jump events at the MIAC Championships.

Women’s indoor track and field

Bethel athletes pose together at indoor meet

The Bethel University women’s track and field team finished third at the MIAC Indoor Championships and competed at the NCAA Division III Indoor Championships.

The Royals set multiple school records throughout the season, including a MIAC Championship record in the 4x400-meter relay (3:54.90), and showed depth across both track and field events.

Ellie Hernes led the field events with MIAC Field Athlete of the Year honors after winning conference titles in the triple jump, long jump, and pentathlon. Shalom Sulungaine added a national highlight, earning First Team All-American honors with a sixth-place finish in the 400-meter dash while setting a school record (55.76).

The indoor season concluded at the NCAA Championships in Birmingham, Alabama, as the Royals built momentum heading into the outdoor season.

Season highlights

  • Conference finish. Placed third at the MIAC Indoor Championships.
  • Relay record. Set a MIAC Championship record in the 4x400m relay.
  • National performance. Shalom Sulungaine earned First Team All-American honors in the 400m.
  • Multi-event success. Ellie Hernes won MIAC titles in the triple jump, long jump, and pentathlon.

Awards, achievements, and milestones

  • First Team All-American: Shalom Sulungaine (400m)
  • Second Team All-American: Anna Speratos (weight throw)
  • MIAC Field Athlete of the Year: Ellie Hernes
  • MIAC champions: Shalom Sulungaine (600m), Michaela Zenz (55m hurdles), Ellie Hernes (triple jump), Anna Speratos (weight throw), 4x400m relay team (Madi Pelowski, Ashley Slaybaugh, Hannah Bingham, and Shalom Sulungaine)
  • Program records: 4x400m relay (55.76), Shalom Sulungaine (400m), Anna Speratos (weight throw), Ellie Hernes (long jump), Alethia Olson-Skog (60m, tied)

Individual highlights

Alethia Olson-Skog, sprinter. Led the short sprints and tied the school record in the 60m. Competed consistently across indoor meets.

Alethia Olson-Skog, sprinter. Led the short sprints and tied the school record in the 60m. Competed consistently across indoor meets.

Nora Larsen, thrower. Contributed in the shot put with consistent regional performances. Won an event at UW-La Crosse and finished the season ranked nationally.

Nora Larsen, thrower. Contributed in the shot put with consistent regional performances. Won an event at UW-La Crosse and finished the season ranked nationally.

Michaela Zenz, hurdler. Won the MIAC 55m hurdles title and recorded one of the top times in program history. Consistently placed among top finishers during the season.

Michaela Zenz, hurdler. Won the MIAC 55m hurdles title and recorded one of the top times in program history. Consistently placed among top finishers during the season.

Anna Speratos, thrower. Ranked among national leaders in the weight throw throughout the season. Set a program record and earned All-American honors.

Anna Speratos, thrower. Ranked among national leaders in the weight throw throughout the season. Set a program record and earned All-American honors.

Ellie Hernes, jumps and multis. Scored across multiple events and won three MIAC titles. Set a school record in the long jump at the conference meet.

Ellie Hernes, jumps and multis. Scored across multiple events and won three MIAC titles. Set a school record in the long jump at the conference meet.

Shalom Sulungaine, sprinter. Led the sprint group and competed nationally. Placed sixth at the NCAA Championships in the 400m with a school-record time.

Shalom Sulungaine, sprinter. Led the sprint group and competed nationally. Placed sixth at the NCAA Championships in the 400m with a school-record time.

Men’s basketball (12-13 overall, 8-8 MIAC)

Bethel Royals player drives past defender during game

The Bethel University men’s basketball team finished 12-13 overall and 8-8 in MIAC play during the 2025-26 season under first-year head coach Gabe Miller.

The Royals picked up key wins throughout conference play, including multiple overtime victories and a season-ending win over Augsburg.

Senior Nick Burke led the way, earning All-Conference honors and becoming the 24th member of the program’s 1,000-point club. Junior Blake Schmitz added to the team’s momentum with All-Conference Honorable Mention recognition and a D3hoops.com Team of the Week selection—the program’s first since 2015-16.

Bethel’s season included a signature 81-63 win over Saint John’s and several close-game performances that highlighted the team’s ability to compete in the MIAC.

Season highlights

  • Statement win. Defeated Saint John’s 81-63, snapping a seven-game skid against the conference rival behind 61.5% shooting.
  • Overtime finish. Jay Neubert’s late jumper in double overtime secured an 89-87 road win over Crown.
  • Milestone moment. Nick Burke became the 24th player in program history to reach 1,000 career points.
  • Clutch comeback. Erased a 12-point second-half deficit in a 78-70 road win over Macalester, closing on a 13-1 run.
  • Strong finish. Closed the season with a 77-73 win over Augsburg to finish 8-8 in MIAC play.

Awards and milestones

  • All-Conference: Nick Burke
  • All-Conference Honorable Mention: Blake Schmitz
  • National recognition: Blake Schmitz—D3hoops.com Team of the Week
  • Program milestone: Burke became the 24th member of the 1,000-point club
  • Historic win: First victory over Saint John’s since 2021
  • Academic honors: Adam Mattes, Caleb Rosendahl—CSC Academic All-District
  • Coaching milestone: Gabe Miller earned his first career win in the season opener

Individual highlights

Sam Gingras, guard. Acted as a versatile floor general who consistently reached double figures while often leading the team in assists. Sparked a decisive 13-1 late-game run against Macalester by recording a crucial steal and fastbreak layup to tie the game in the closing minutes.

Sam Gingras, guard. Acted as a versatile floor general who consistently reached double figures while often leading the team in assists. Sparked a decisive 13-1 late-game run against Macalester by recording a crucial steal and fastbreak layup to tie the game in the closing minutes.

Jay Neubert, guard. Served as a high-impact scoring threat off the bench, providing elite perimeter shooting during key conference stretches. Sealed a dramatic double-overtime road win with a buzzer-beating jumper and paced the offense with 23 points in the MIAC season opener.

Jay Neubert, guard. Served as a high-impact scoring threat off the bench, providing elite perimeter shooting during key conference stretches. Sealed a dramatic double-overtime road win with a buzzer-beating jumper and paced the offense with 23 points in the MIAC season opener.

Jack Charbonneau, forward. Provided a consistent interior presence and served as a premier rebounder, leading the team in boards in multiple contests.Tallied a standout double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds to fuel a critical late-game comeback against Saint Mary’s.

Jack Charbonneau, forward. Provided a consistent interior presence and served as a premier rebounder, leading the team in boards in multiple contests.Tallied a standout double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds to fuel a critical late-game comeback against Saint Mary’s.

Blake Schmitz, guard. Emerged as a dominant two-way threat, finishing second on the team in scoring while leading the squad in steals. Recorded a career-high 36 points on an efficient 12-of-15 shooting performance to engineer a significant home upset over Carleton.

Blake Schmitz, guard. Emerged as a dominant two-way threat, finishing second on the team in scoring while leading the squad in steals. Recorded a career-high 36 points on an efficient 12-of-15 shooting performance to engineer a significant home upset over Carleton.

Nick Burke, guard. Led the Royals with a team-high 17.3 points per game and anchored the offense as the squad's primary playmaker. Surpassed the 1,000-career point milestone during the season and delivered a season-high 31 points to secure a double-overtime victory over Crown.

Nick Burke, guard. Led the Royals with a team-high 17.3 points per game and anchored the offense as the squad's primary playmaker. Surpassed the 1,000-career point milestone during the season and delivered a season-high 31 points to secure a double-overtime victory over Crown.

Men’s hockey (14-12-1 overall, 9-7 MIAC)

Bethel players skate and pass puck during game action

The Bethel University men's hockey team reached the MIAC Semifinals for the third consecutive season and the fourth time in five years, continuing a stretch of consistent conference contention.

The Royals finished the 2025-26 season 14-12-1 overall and 9-7 in MIAC play, earning the No. 4 seed in the conference tournament.

Bethel leaned on its goaltending and defensive play, highlighted by a dominant January run that briefly pushed the Royals into sole possession of first place in the MIAC standings.

Senior forward Tyler Braccini led the offense as a three-time All-Conference selection and one of the top goal scorers in NCAA Division III, while senior goaltender Austin Ryman recorded a conference-leading two shutouts.

The Royals opened postseason play with a 5-2 quarterfinal win over St. Olaf before their season concluded in the MIAC Semifinals against Saint John’s.

Season highlights

  • Early statement. Shut out No. 15 UW-Stevens Point 4-0 behind a Tyler Braccini hat trick and 36 saves from Austin Ryman.
  • Outdoor win. Defeated MSOE 3-1 in sub-zero conditions during an outdoor game in St. Louis Park.
  • Conference surge. Moved into sole possession of first place in the MIAC with a 6-2 road win to complete a sweep of St. Scholastica.
  • Postseason push. Advanced to the MIAC Semifinals with a 5-2 quarterfinal win over St. Olaf, led by two goals from Joe Westlund.

Awards and milestones

  • All-Conference Selection: Tyler Braccini (MIAC All-Conference Team)
  • All-Playoff Selection: Connor Brazil (MIAC Men’s Hockey All-Playoff Team)
  • MIAC Statistical Leader: Austin Ryman led the conference with two regular-season shutouts.
  • MIAC Statistical Leader: Joe Westlund led the conference with three game-winning goals.
  • National Ranking: Tyler Braccini finished the season ranked 12th in NCAA Division III in goals per game.
  • Program Milestone: Reached the MIAC Semifinals for the third consecutive season and fourth time in five years
  • Program Milestone: Claimed sole possession of first place in the MIAC standings for the first time in program history on January 24
  • Program History: Tyler Braccini became only the ninth Royal to earn three career All-Conference selections.
  • Career Milestone: Tyler Braccini finished his career ranked 19th in program history with 95 total points.
  • Individual Achievement: Tyler Kostelecky recorded his first career hat trick in the season opener against Beloit.

Individual highlights

Jack Brown, forward. Provided offensive depth with multi-goal games and served as a primary threat on the power play. He delivered a defining season highlight by scoring the decisive shootout goal to secure a victory over St. Olaf in front of a packed home crowd.

Jack Brown, forward. Provided offensive depth with multi-goal games and served as a primary threat on the power play. He delivered a defining season highlight by scoring the decisive shootout goal to secure a victory over St. Olaf in front of a packed home crowd.

Tyler Braccini, forward. Led the team with 17 goals and 30 points while averaging nearly 1.2 points per game. He scored a hat trick against No. 15 UW-Stevens Point and the game-winning goal in the sub-zero outdoor contest against MSOE.

Tyler Braccini, forward. Led the team with 17 goals and 30 points while averaging nearly 1.2 points per game. He scored a hat trick against No. 15 UW-Stevens Point and the game-winning goal in the sub-zero outdoor contest against MSOE.

Connor Brazil, forward. Emerged as a versatile playmaker and postseason threat, finishing as one of the team’s top assist leaders. He scored the equalizing goal in the MIAC semifinal matchup against top-seeded Saint John’s.

Connor Brazil, forward. Emerged as a versatile playmaker and postseason threat, finishing as one of the team’s top assist leaders. He scored the equalizing goal in the MIAC semifinal matchup against top-seeded Saint John’s.

Joe Westlund, forward. Specialized in clutch production, recording three game-winning goals during the regular season to lead the MIAC. He netted two goals to lead Bethel past St. Olaf in the MIAC quarterfinals.

Joe Westlund, forward. Specialized in clutch production, recording three game-winning goals during the regular season to lead the MIAC. He netted two goals to lead Bethel past St. Olaf in the MIAC quarterfinals.

Tyler Kostelecky, forward. Jump-started the season with his first career hat trick in the opener and provided consistent scoring depth with double-digit goals. He secured a critical late-season road sweep by scoring the game-winning goal at Concordia with just 74 seconds remaining in regulation.

Tyler Kostelecky, forward. Jump-started the season with his first career hat trick in the opener and provided consistent scoring depth with double-digit goals. He secured a critical late-season road sweep by scoring the game-winning goal at Concordia with just 74 seconds remaining in regulation.

Austin Ryman, goaltender. Anchored the conference's top scoring defense, highlighted by 36-save and 37-save shutouts against No. 15 UW-Stevens Point and St. Olaf. He recorded a season-high 44 saves to preserve a pivotal mid-season road victory over Saint John’s.

Austin Ryman, goaltender. Anchored the conference's top scoring defense, highlighted by 36-save and 37-save shutouts against No. 15 UW-Stevens Point and St. Olaf. He recorded a season-high 44 saves to preserve a pivotal mid-season road victory over Saint John’s.

Women’s hockey (14-10-2 overall, 8-8-2 MIAC)

Women’s hockey: Bethel team gathers in tight huddle on ice

The Bethel University women’s hockey team closed the regular season with a surge, tying a program record with a six-game winning streak to secure its first postseason berth since 2024.

The Royals finished 14-10-2 overall and 8-8-2 in MIAC play, earning the No. 5 seed in the conference tournament.

Bethel competed in tight games throughout the season, including multiple matchups against nationally ranked opponents.

Senior goaltender Ashley Gustafson (Hess) earned All-Conference honors and recorded a 60-save performance, while graduate Kallie Tibbetts (Abrahamson) delivered key goals in late-game situations.

The season concluded with a 2-0 loss to top-seeded Gustavus Adolphus in the MIAC Quarterfinals.

Season highlights

  • Defensive statement. Handed previously unbeaten and No. 9-ranked Hamline its first loss of the season with a 4-0 shutout behind 29 saves from Ashley Gustafson (Hess).
  • Historic performance. Gustafson recorded 60 saves in a 3-2 overtime game against Gustavus Adolphus, finishing six shy of a program record.
  • Postseason clinch. Secured a MIAC Playoff berth with a 3-2 comeback win over St. Olaf, capped by Kallie Tibbetts’ go-ahead goal in the final 20 seconds.
  • Late-season surge. Closed the regular season on a six-game winning streak, tying the longest stretch in program history.

Awards and milestones

  • All-Conference: Ashley Gustafson (Hess)
  • All-Conference Honorable Mention: Olivia Martin
  • All-Playoff Team: Julia Helget
  • Program milestone: Tied record with six consecutive wins
  • Postseason milestone: First MIAC Playoff appearance since 2024 (14th overall)
  • Marquee win: 4-0 shutout over previously unbeaten, No. 9 Hamline
  • Individual milestone: 60-save performance by Ashley Gustafson (six shy of program record)
  • First career hat trick: Amelia McQuay (vs. Marian)
  • Five-point performance: Sophie Martin (hat trick vs. MSOE)

Individual highlights

Julia Helget, defender. Provided veteran leadership on the blue line while contributing consistently to the Royals' transition game. She capped her regular-season home career with a two-assist performance on Senior Night to help defeat St. Olaf and keep the team's playoff hopes alive.

Julia Helget, defender. Provided veteran leadership on the blue line while contributing consistently to the Royals' transition game. She capped her regular-season home career with a two-assist performance on Senior Night to help defeat St. Olaf and keep the team's playoff hopes alive.

Amelia McQuay, forward. Provided essential scoring depth and a knack for finding the back of the net in critical situations. She recorded her first collegiate hat trick in a win over Marian and delivered a game-tying goal in the regular-season finale against St. Olaf.

Amelia McQuay, forward. Provided essential scoring depth and a knack for finding the back of the net in critical situations. She recorded her first collegiate hat trick in a win over Marian and delivered a game-tying goal in the regular-season finale against St. Olaf.

Olivia Martin, defender. Established herself as the team’s primary playmaker from the blue line, leading Bethel with 12 assists. Her two assists helped spark a three-goal third-period surge against UW-Superior.

Olivia Martin, defender. Established herself as the team’s primary playmaker from the blue line, leading Bethel with 12 assists. Her two assists helped spark a three-goal third-period surge against UW-Superior.

Kallie Tibbetts (Abrahamson), forward. Served as the team's offensive catalyst, leading the Royals in both goals (11) and total points (19). She scored two late goals against St. Olaf, including the go-ahead strike with only 20 seconds remaining to clinch a playoff berth.

Kallie Tibbetts (Abrahamson), forward. Served as the team's offensive catalyst, leading the Royals in both goals (11) and total points (19). She scored two late goals against St. Olaf, including the go-ahead strike with only 20 seconds remaining to clinch a playoff berth.

Ashley Gustafson (Hess), goaltender. Anchored the Royals' defense throughout the season, finishing with a .936 save percentage and 11 wins. She delivered a historic 60-save performance against Gustavus Adolphus, falling just six stops shy of the program's single-game record.

Ashley Gustafson (Hess), goaltender. Anchored the Royals' defense throughout the season, finishing with a .936 save percentage and 11 wins. She delivered a historic 60-save performance against Gustavus Adolphus, falling just six stops shy of the program's single-game record.

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