In the first weekend series of conference play, the No. 2 Wisconsin women's hockey team (1-0-1-1 WCHA, 1-0-1 overall) narrowly escaped an upset bid at the hands of Minnesota State on Friday (0-1-1-0 WCHA, 0-1-1 overall). The Badgers tied the Mavericks, 2-2, before winning a shootout, 3-2, to gain an extra point in the conference standings. On Saturday, the Badgers got two goals from senior forward Brianna Decker and outlasted the Mavericks, 3-2.
In game one of the series, the Badgers found themselves in an early hole after Minnesota State junior forward Lauren Barnes and senior forward Lauren Zrust capitalized off a Wisconsin turnover midway through the first period. The high-flying Wisconsin offense would quickly answer 44 seconds later, as senior defenseman Alev Kelter scored off a deflection from junior forward Brittany Ammerman and junior defenseman Kelly Jaminksi to knot the game.
Minnesota State senior forward Lauren Smith would break the 1-1 tie midway through the third period in similar fashion to the Mavericks' first goal to take the lead, 2-1.
Wisconsin did not go away without a fight, tying things up with 49 seconds to play by utilizing an extra defender from its empty net. Decker zipped a pass to the wide open sophomore forward Katy Josephs in front of the net to equalize the score, 2-2.
The game headed to a shootout after a defensive battle in overtime, and junior forward Madison Packer found the back of the net for the game-winning goal, 3-2.
Wisconsin junior goaltender Alex Rigsby was strong throughout, posting 21 saves, including five in the overtime session.
In the second game of the series, the Badgers came out firing, scoring two goals in the first period courtesy of Decker. They stayed on the offensive as the first and second period wore on but were unable to convert on multiple power play opportunities.
With four minutes left in the second period, Minnesota State junior forward Tracy McCann beat Rigsby to cut the lead in half, 2-1. Early in the third period, Wisconsin freshman forward Kim Drake scored on a rebound off a missed shot from freshman forward Erika Sowchuck, with Sowchuck and freshman forward Molly Doner credited for the assist that would put the game out of reach, 3-1. The Mavericks converted on a power play goal late in the third period, but their comeback effort would stop there.
The Badgers are back in action next weekend as they travel to St. Louis to take on Lindenwood (0-2 overall) October 5 and 6.
