Coming into the weekend, the UMD women’s hockey team knew they’d be up against tough competition as they took on the top-ranked Minnesota Golden Gophers. The Bulldogs entered with a 24-36-6 all-time record against Minnesota, and this weekend’s series resulted in two more losses. Friday’s game was dominated by the Gophers, who outshot UMD 40-26 on their way to a 4-0 win. The Gophers got their first goal from forward Sarah Davis near the end of the first period, which was the only goal by either team in the first 40 minutes.
Despite not scoring in game one, the Bulldogs had plenty of chances, including a one-on-one attempt by Jamie Kenyon during the second period. UMD’s missed opportunities proved costly in the third period, as the Gophers exploded for three straight goals.
The Gophers’ first goal in the third frame came nine seconds into the period when Meghan Lorence’s shot fumbled through a puddle of water and into the cage.
“It’s mental discipline,” said head coach Shannon Miller. “That’s what leads to good habits. We broke down in the third because the Gophers got a lucky goal in the first nine seconds.”
The Bulldogs came out visibly stronger Saturday. Minnesota scored first, but UMD’s Hannah Bramm took less than three minutes to tie the game 1-1 with her first of the year. It wouldn’t stay that way for long, though.
Minnesota regained the lead minutes later with a goal by Davis halfway through the first, and added two more in the second period to open a three-goal lead. Bulldog forward Jenna McParland broke the Gopher scoring streak late in the second with a blast from the left circle to make it 4-2.
Minnesota added two more goals in the third, including a power-play goal from forward Dani Cameranesi, sister of Bulldog men’s hockey forward Tony Cameranesi. Minnesota’s Cameranesi scored three times on the weekend.
The UMD penalty kill allowed its first three goals of the season Saturday night, while the power play couldn’t convert on any of its six opportunities.
Freshman Sidney Morin cut the final margin to 6-3 with her first collegiate goal at 5:46 of the third.
“It was an awesome feeling,” Morin said. “I’m glad I’ve got that out of the way. We were throwing everything on net and it just found a way to get in.”
Miller said goaltender Kayla Black and the UMD defense played well despite allowing 10 goals in the two games, and is confident the Bulldogs are closing the gap between the teams.
“We’re on the Gophers’ heels,” Miller said. “They know it and we know it.”
The Bulldogs (2-3-1, 0-3-1 WCHA) travel to Minnesota State-Mankato Friday for a two-game set against the Mavericks.
BY NICOLE BRODZIK brodz006@d.umn.edu