MANKATO, Minn. – Elena Luján Rubio and Olaitz Azkue Muguruza scored two goals apiece on Wednesday night as the Vikings took a thrilling 4-3 win over Northwestern in the UMAC opener. With the win the Vikings move to 2-2-1 on the season while the Eagles fall to 0-4-0.

The Vikings hadn't been able to crack the code the last four times these two teams have faced off, but they did so early and often in tonight's matchup. Azkue missed a few shots wide early but Bethany was in attack mode and it paid off in the 10^th minute. A foul drawn near midfield would lead to a free kick from Ashley Casper, who played the ball over the last line of defense where Azkue was able to head it to herself and boot it past the keeper for the 1-0 lead.

Bethany kept the pressure on, drawing a few more fouls before a handball by the Eagles in the box set Luján Rubio up for a penalty kick that she would convert in the 15^th minute for the 2-0 lead. That wasn't the end of that though, as just four minutes later Luján Rubio would connect with Azkue on a cross who headed it home for another goal to make the score 3-0 in favor of Bethany.

Everything seemed to be going in favor of the Vikings until reigning UMAC Offensive Player and Rookie of the Year Haley Mersberger decided to make things interesting. The sophomore for the Eagles got by the Bethany defense and scored in the 33^rd minute, before doing so once again in the 43^rd minute to cut the deficit to 3-2 heading into the half.'

As the teams came out of the half, the Vikings seemed to be gaining their momentum back. That was until the 51^st minute when Mersberger broke free again and had a one-on-one with Bethany goalkeeper Brooke Wolanin and punched it by her to tie things at three. Things were only tied for 49 seconds though, as Azkue would connect with Luján Rubio for the sophomore's second goal of the game and to put the Vikings back on top.

Both teams then seemed a little over exuberant following the quick succession of goals, as they were rushing passes and shot attempts, resulting in neither being able to maintain steady possession. The Eagles started to figure things out and had the Vikings on their heels before Wolanin played hero late. It was the 76^th minute when the Eagles fired a shot from just outside the box that was headed to the top left corner, where Wolanin made a full extension diving save to keep the would-be shot from finding the back of the net. The senior then made another tough save just three minutes later, as Bethany was able to run out the time the last 10 minutes to hang onto the win.

Wolanin allowed the three goals in the matchup but came up big with eight saves for the Vikings to secure the win.

Bethany will be back in action on Saturday when they host North Central for a 4:30 p.m. contest.