The Minot State women’s ice hockey team had its hopes of capturing the Women’s Midwest College Hockey (WMCH) conference tournament end at the hands of Liberty University for the second straight season. The Beavers dropped a 5-1 contest to the top-ranked Flames in the WMCH semifinals at Sidner Ice Arena in Fremont, Neb., on Friday, Feb. 20.

The Beavers lost to Liberty in the WMCH final last year.

A day after putting up 10 goals against Maryville in the quarterfinals, Minot State’s offense couldn’t solve Liberty goaltender Alexandra Keith despite recording 33 shots on goal. Kinley Brassard had the lone goal for the Beavers (16-6-0-7 W-L-OTL-T), scoring at 18:10 of the second period.

The Flames (29-0-1-0) scored the first three goals of the game. Brooke Olson netted the lone goal of the opening frame, scoring with 1:27 remaining. Tristan Craig and Brielle Fussy added goals in the second. Liberty put the game away with a pair of goals in the third, scored by Presley Ellis and Zosia Adamek. The Flames recorded 36 shots on goal.

Minot State’s Jillian Ackerman finished with 31 saves.

The Beavers travel for a weekend series at Jamestown beginning on Friday, Feb. 27, at 7 p.m.