Women’s Hockey falls short against Wisconsin
The Minnesota State Women’s Hockey team was swept over the weekend by No. 2 Wisconsin. The Mavs had been on a good roll recently coming off a series split against St.Cloud State.
Friday, The Badgers launched a comeback to beat The Mavericks 3-2.
On Saturday, The Badgers completed the sweep with a7-2 win.
Wisconsin also swept the Mavs earlier in the season, but this was a more contested game the second time around.
The Badgers entered the game looking to extend a five game-win streak after sweeping St.Thomas.
Friday’s game proved to be a dominant display for The Mavericks as they came into the game with a defensive mindset which paid off with an early goal for Jamie Nelson on a Wisconsin misplay on the powerplay marking her 13th goal on the season.
The Mavericks lead 1-0 going into the second period, and quickly added to that lead with a goal from Taylor Otremba 49 seconds into the second period. The Mavericks looked more defensive from this point on, especially with a lead, but the Badgers responded.
Wisconsin responded 8 minutes into the second with a goal from Cassie Hall. Kelly Gorbatenko scored 17 minutes into the second to bring the game level for the Badgers.
The third period saw Wisconsin complete the comeback against the Mavs six minutes in with a goal from Kirsten Simms. The Mavericks registered five shots after this point with Sydney Langseth missing wide and JuliAnna Gazdik being blocked at the final buzzer.
Saturday’s matchup was a different story as Wisconsin came in firing and never looked back..
The first period started with a complete bang with three goals scored in the opening three minutes of play. Wisconsin scored two goals in the first two minutes of play taking a commanding lead, but the Mavs responded 30 seconds later.
Sydney Langseth scored, marking her 11th goal of the season. Whitney Tuttle assisted, which is no surprise as they’ve had a great connection and been the dynamic duo of the team with their production..
The first period saw the Badgers dominate, but the Mavs responded and gained momentum toward the end of the period.
The second period was more of the same as Wisconsin opened up the scoring in the first minute of the period. Minnesota State freshman Kamryn Van Batavia responded 12 minutes into the period netting the third goal of her career. Wisconsin responded four minutes later to end the period 4-2.
The third period saw the Badgers take control, in the final 20 scoring three goals to close out the Mavs and get the sweep.
With these losses, The Mavericks now fall to 0-4 on the season against The Badgers and 10-15-0 on the season.
The Mavericks look to bounce back next week against The University of Minnesota.
Header Photo: The Minnesota State women’s hockey team lost to #2 Wisconsin 7-2 Saturday afternoon at the Mayo Clinic HSEC. (Courtesy Maverick Athletics)
Write to Ahmed Hassan at ahmed.hassan.4@mnsu.edu