MINOT, ND -- The Minot State Beavers women's hockey team opened their 2025-26 season with a hard-fought 2-1 loss to McKendree University on Saturday, October 4, at the Maysa Arena. With the loss, the Beavers move to 0-1-0 on the season, while McKendree improves to 4-0-0.

McKendree struck early, taking a 1-0 lead just 1:37 into the opening period on a goal by Olivia Imperato. The Bearcats' goaltender, Rachel Staresinic, stood tall in net during the first frame, recording nine saves on nine shots on goal to keep the Beavers off the scoreboard.

The Beavers answered back in the second period, tying the game 1-1 on a power-play goal scored by Abby Tallman at 6:44 into the period. Minot State's goaltender Jillian Ackerman turned away all seven shots she faced in the period to keep the score even heading into the final frame.

In the third period, McKendree regained the lead late in the contest with a power-play goal from Hazel Toepfer with just 1:20 left on the clock. Staresinic closed the door for the Bearcats, stopping all four shots she faced in the third period to secure the 2-1 victory.

Krissy Rink and Abby Pineau were credited with assists on Tallman's goal for the Beavers. Ackerman finished the night with an impressive 18 saves on 20 shots on goal.

Following the season-opener, the Beavers will look to bounce back in game two of the weekend series against McKendree. Puck drop is scheduled for Sunday, October 5, at 1:00 pm at the Maysa Arena.