Behind goals from Meghan Hunter and Kathy Devereaux, Wisconsin defeated No. 1 Minnesota 2-0 Saturday afternoon for the first time at Mariucci Arena, ending the Gophers’ 24-game unbeaten streak.
The Badgers (17-9-2, 13-5-1 WCHA) and Gophers (23-3-5, 16-2-3 WCHA) held each other scoreless in the first period of the game, each killing one penalty. Entering the second period the shots were balanced at six for the Gophers and five for the Badgers.
In the second period the Badgers came out offensively oriented. While on the penalty-kill Karen Rickard managed to beat the Minnesota defense for a breakaway, only to be stopped by Minnesota netminder Jody Horak.
The Badgers opened the scoring at 3:50 of the third period when Hunter beat Horak. Hunter’s 17th goal of the season was assisted by Carla MacLeod.
“MacLeod made a nice pass to Hunter in the center lane, giving her the breakaway opportunity,” said assistant coach Tracey Cornell.
“We encouraged our players to set up screens and to shoot through them and that’s just what Hunter did,” said assistant Dan Koch.
Just before the five-minute mark the Badgers scored their second goal of the game. Amy Vermeulen cycled the puck to MacLeod, who took a shot. Horak made the initial save, but Devereaux was able to tip it in for the power-play goal, her fourth goal of the season.
“Tomorrow, we have to anticipate the Gophers’ changes and be ready to adapt to them,” assistant coach Dan Koch said. “Our focus is to get shots on net.”
UW goaltender Jackie MacMillan made 15 saves in the shutout, while Horak made 17 and was dealt her first loss of the season. It was the first time that the Gophers have been outshot since Dec. 4, 1999.
Wisconsin and Minnesota wrap up the series Sunday at Mariucci Arena with a 2:05 p.m. game.
