#2 Gopher Womens Hockey Splits Series at #8 North Dakota

The #2 Gopher Women;s Hockey team split a road series this week at #8 North Dakota, dropping the opener on Friday night 3-0, and winning a come from behind victory on Saturday 3-1. 

Friday night, the Gophers could not get the puck past UND goalie Shelby Amsley-Benze who made 25 saves in the shutout.  The Gophers gave up two goals 1:29 apart in the second, one on a shorthanded breakaway and one 5x5.  UND added an empty netter to finish off the game.

Saturday, the Gophers fell behind early again when UND scored 1:17 into the game.  However,m this time the Gophers would find a way to put the puck in the net.  Dani Cameranesi scored her 18th goal of the season on the power play at the 12:42 mark of the first.  In the second period, the Gophers would take the lead and not give it back up.  Kate Schipper stole the puck behind the UND net and found Hannah Brandt in front for a one-timer and her team leading 25th goal of the season.  Brandt's 25 goals place her 2nd in the nation behind Alex Carpenter from #1 ranked Boston College.  Ten minutes later, the Gophers would extend their lead to 3-1 when Rachel Ramsey scored on the power-play.  Amanda Leveille would take the Gophers the rest of the way making 17 saves in the win.

The Gophers will host #6 UMD in their final regular season home series of the year.  The Gophers will honor their four seniors, Rachel Ramsey, Rachael Bona, Meghan Lorence, and Shyler Sletta prior to Saturday's game.  Face-off is at 7:00 Friday night, and 4:00 Saturday at Ridder Arena. 

The Gophers currently have a five point edge on Wisconsin for the lead of the WCHA.  The Gophers can clinch the WCHA Championship with a sweep of UMD and one Wisconsin loss at Ohio State.