After a shaky start to the season, the Wisconsin women's hockey team needed to make a statement this weekend in their series against No. 2 Minnesota, and that's exactly what they did.
With a pair of strong victories, the No. 8 Badgers broke their trend of split series and finally found the chemistry between young players they have been looking for this year. Strong play from freshman goaltender Becca Ruegsegger and sophomore forward Brooke Ammerman helped lead Wisconsin to a 4-2 victory Friday and 5-2 win Sunday over the rival Gophers.
In their series against North Dakota, Bemidji State and Ohio State, it appeared as if the Badgers needed an entire game to figure out how to respond to their opponent. But against Minnesota, Wisconsin only took one period to learn the Gophers' style.
Head coach Tracey DeKeyser said she stressed getting a good start before Friday's game.
""We talked about trying to set a new trend,"" she said. ""Coming out strong and finishing strong.""
The Minnesota defense did a good job frustrating the Badger offense, but Wisconsin exploited goaltender Alyssa Grogan's high side multiple times en route to the win.
Sophomore forward Brooke Ammerman scored with 2.6 seconds to go in the second period to put the Badgers up for good as Wisconsin handed Minnesota their first loss of the season.
DeKeyser complimented her team's strong play after the game.
""For 60 minutes it was a consistent effort, consistent focus,"" she said. ""I would have to say that's probably our best game of the year.""
The Badgers were outshot 40 to 15 against Minnesota Sunday, but Wisconsin made the most of their opportunities. Ruegsegger put in an impressive performance as the Badgers scored four unanswered goals and survived a late five-on-three Minnesota power play to take a 5-2 victory.
Ruegsegger said she was excited to kill off the late penalty.
""It was awesome,"" she said. ""I knew it would be intense.""
Ammerman added a pair of goals Sunday, bringing her weekend total to three goals and an assist.
The Badgers are now riding a three game winning streak and will take on Robert Morris at the Kohl Center Nov. 6 and 7.
