BSU Stops UMD Streak

NSO – NEWS RELEASE

Two of the hottest teams in women’s college hockey met on Friday afternoon at the Sanfor Center in Bemidji, Minn., and unfortunately the Bulldogs were left a little burnt.

The No. 8/9 University of Minnesota Duluth saw its nine-game winning streak halted by No. 9/10 Bemidji State University by a score of 4-1.  It was the first defeat for the Bulldogs since Oct. 17, who fall to 10-5-2 overall and 5-5-1 in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.  It marks just the fifth time  in 66 meetings that BSU has nabbed a win from UMD, but it is also more impressively the fourth win against a top-10 opponent for the Beavers in seven attempts so far this season.

“Today we played the worst we have ever played this year, ” said head coach Shannon Miller after the game.  “No proper mental preparation, no work ethic, no pride.  Highly embarrassing performance by our team.  We hung our goalie out to dry.”

The Bulldogs got out on the board early in the first period on senior defenseman’s Brigette Lacquette‘s third goal of the year at 6:30.  UMD’s 1-0 lead would be short lived, however, as BSU responded 4:26 later.  The Beavers would take over the lead for what would eventually stand as the game-winner at 15:35 of the opening period on a goal from Ivana Billic.

BSU tacked on a third goal for the 3-1 lead with a power play tally by Lauren Miller at 6:29 of the second period.  The Bulldogs would push all of the third period, outshooting the Beavers 13-4 in the final stanza, but simply could not solve BSU netminder Brittni Mowat, who had 31 saves in the winning cause.  The Beavers added an open net goal with 18 seconds remaining in the game to seal the 4-1 win.

UMD goaltender Kayla Black had 21 saves, but the Bulldogs were 0-of-3 on power play attempts and allowed their first power play goal in three games.

The Bulldogs will look to salvage the series split tomorrow afternoon at the Sanford Center.  Game-time is set for 2:07 p.m