The University of Wisconsin women’s hockey team remains undefeated after heading to Mankato this past weekend to take on the Minnesota State University – Mankato Mavericks.
The two-game series was the first WCHA game for both teams, but Mankato and Wisconsin entered this series from completely different standpoints. Wisconsin came into this series without a loss thus far in the season, while Mankato only had one win under their belt at this time.
Mankato had their first win of the season during their first game of their season against Lindenwood. After that, the best that the Mavericks would manage to do is either tie their opponents or lose the game altogether.
Mankato has been struggling recently as they lost many of their senior players and goaltender from the 2016-2017 season, and the lack of leadership on the ice was evident from the minute the puck dropped on Friday night. The Badgers managed to quickly overpower the Mavericks with Wisconsin’s Abby Roque scoring the first goal of the game within 50 seconds of the first period starting.
Wisconsin would get scored on during the second period, thanks to a power play off of a UW penalty. Mankato would use this newfound momentum to net another goal, leaving Wisconsin behind on a score of 2-1.
It would be during the third period that Wisconsin would not only manage to tie the game up, but eventually come out with the win. Sophia Shaver would score the game-winning goal within the first half of the third period, ensuring a first night victory for UW.
During the second night, Wisconsin would learn from their close encounter with the Mavericks and would work on securing their victory sooner. Scoring two goals within the second half of the first period would help the Badgers ensure that it would become difficult for Mankato to catch up on them.
Wisconsin women’s hockey remains undefeated after weekend series against MercyHurst
While Mankato would score one goal by the end of the first period, a third goal from Maddie Rowe would seal the deal and earn their second victory of the weekend. Wisconsin is now 2-0 in the WCHA, and they are showing promising signs for the rest of the season.
Wisconsin comes home this weekend during homecoming, welcoming the Bemidji State University Beavers to LaBahn.
