BEMIDJI, Minn. – The top-ranked Mercyhurst College women's hockey team saw its five-game winning streak come to an end as Bemidji State defeated the Lakers, 5-3, Saturday afternoon at the Bemidji Regional Events Center. With the loss, the Lakers fall to 5-1-0 on the season.

The Beavers proved victorious by scoring four unanswered goals through the first 40 minutes of play before netting an empty-net score in the final seconds.

Mercyhurst (5-1-0) made an attempt at a comeback beginning late in the second period, when senior assistant captain Vicki Bendus beat backup netminder Alana McElhinney with one second remaining. Junior Bailey Bram then made it a one-goal game thanks to back-to-back goals in the third period.

With under a minute to play, Mercyhurst looked for the equalizer by pulling junior Hillary Pattenden from goal in favor of an extra attacker.  However, after a save by McElhinney at one end, Bemidji State took the puck down the ice for an insurance tally with 10 seconds to play.

Despite holding a 59-31 advantage in shots, Mercyhurst had to settle for the three goals as McEhlhinney recorded a career-high 56 saves. Pattenden (5-1-0), on the other hand, stopped a season-high 27 shots.

Both teams combined for 10 power plays in the game with Bemidji State going 0-for-3 and Mercyhurst finishing at 1-for-7.

The Lakers return to action Friday, Oct. 29 when they host College Hockey America foe Robert Morris in a 7 p.m. matchup at the Mercyhurst Ice Center.