Led by Shannon Mikel’s goal — the only one of the night for either side — top-ranked Minnesota-Duluth edged Wisconsin 1-0 Friday at Capitol Ice Arena.
Mikel tipped the puck over UW netminder Jackie MacMillan’s right shoulder at 10:33 of the first period, deflecting Navada Russell’s point shot for her first goal of the season.
The Bulldogs (4-0-1 overall, 2-0-1) appeared to start the game with more jump and controlled play to start the contest. Despite a slight advantage in play, the teams each managed six shots on goal in the period.
Trailing after the first, Wisconsin (4-1-2, 3-1-1) seemed to pick up its play in the second stanza, but again the teams were even in shots.
“It was a great game,” said UW head coach Trina Bourget. “[We] played well for two periods. I thought we were a little slow in the first period. They were beating us to the pucks, were more aggressive and went right to the net. They do a great job going to the net and that first tip-in goal proves it.”
The Badgers’ best chance to even the score came midway through the third period when frosh defender Carla MacLeod skated in alone on UMD goalie Patricia Sautter. MacLeod’s shot sailed high on the glove side over the crossbar and the score stayed 1-0. UMD had its own 2-on-0 chance later in the period, but Jenny Hempel’s wrist shot clanked off the post, keeping the Badgers in the game.
MacMillan and Minnesota-Duluth’s Patricia Sautter made 17 saves each, with MacMillan dropping to 4-1-1 on the season with the defeat and Sautter improving to 1-0-1.
“We’ve got to shoot on this goalie,” Bourget said. “We have to shoot so we get opportunities to get rebounds. If we let her see our shots, she is going to make the saves.”
The Badgers will conclude the series against the Bulldogs Saturday night at the Capital Ice Arena at 7:05 p.m.
