MINOT, N.D. – Despite a strong effort early on from the Beavers, the first period proved to be a killer one as Minot State women's hockey returned to action for the first time in over a month. Their first game of 2024 was a big test against the No. 1 nationally ranked Midland Warriors.

The No. 8 Beavers (11-10-0) fell to Midland University (21-0-1) by a final score of 4-2. Period one was scoreless for almost halfway through until Midland struck twice in less than four minutes to round out the action after 20 minutes. Scoring would turn out back-and-forth the rest of the game, with Minot State getting the first goal in the second and third periods to cut multiple Midland leads down to one. In the end, MSU could not find the equalizer as Midland's 2-0 lead proved to be a major difference maker. The Warriors were able to match the Beavers goal-for-goal for the remainder of the game.

Midland now has their fifth straight victory over the Beavers this season following their meeting in the 2023 ACHA National Tournament semifinals.

Olivia Kirwan and Krissy Rink tallied the lone goals for the Beavers. For Kirwan, it was her second of the year. In a short-handed breakaway, Rink collected her sixth and took over the top spot in goals scored on the team.

As far as good news goes for Minot State, Haylie Biever made her first start in net coming off injury. She grabbed 28 saves on 32 shots.

The Beavers six-game winning streak came to an end tonight at the hands of Midland. Both teams will meet again tomorrow at Maysa Arena for a 7:30 p.m. (CT) puck drop.