O’FALLON, IL – The Minot State University (MSU) Beavers women’s hockey team battled to the end, but fell to Liberty University 1-2 in the final of the WMCH Conference Tournament on Saturday, February 22.

Liberty got on the board first at 6 minutes into the first period to take a 0-1 lead over the Beavers. With just 34 seconds left in the first period, the Beavers tied the game at 1-1 on a goal scored by Liberty Miller

With just over a minute left in the second period, Liberty scored a goal to take a 1-2 lead over the Beavers. Both teams were held scoreless through the third period to secure the 1-2 victory for Liberty.

Makena Welby was credited with an assist in the game for MSU.

Following the hard fought WMCH Conference Tournament final against Liberty University, the Beavers will be back in action in the ACHA National Tournament. The games are currently TBA, but the ACHA National Tournament begins on Monday, March 17, and ends on Friday, March 21.

WMCH Season Awards were announced at the end of the Conference Tournament. The awards are:

Coach of the Year

Chris Lowes – Liberty University

First-Team

All-Conference

Goalie: Jillian Ackerman – Minot State University

Second-Team

All-Conference

Forward: Paige Kozak – Minot State University

All-Rookie Conference Team

Defense: Abby Pineau – Minot State University

Goalie: Jillian Ackerman – Minot State University

First All-Tournament WMCH Team

Forward: Liberty Miller – Minot State University

Defense: Erica Fijala – Minot State University

Goalie: Jillian Ackerman – Minot State University

Second All-Tournament WMCH Team

Forward: Olivia Opheim – Minot State University