Feb. 2, 2008
Women’s Ice Hockey
[box score]

BEMIDJI, Minn. - Jackie Robertson (Inver Grove Heights, Minn.) made that first one count.

The sophomore forward ripped a backhand past the University of Minnesota goaltender midway through the third period for her first collegiate goal and point in the Bemidji State women’s hockey teams 4-1 loss to the No. 4-ranked Gophers Saturday afternoon at John Glas Fieldhouse.

Not only was the goal the first of her career, but it also ensured that Bemidji State would not be shut out in either game of the weekend series against the powerful Minnesota squad.

The last four games for the Beavers have been against two of the top four ranked teams in the nation in Minnesota and Minnesota Duluth, and BSU scored a goal in all four games. The Beavers may have lost those games, but they have been improving as the season progresses, which can be seen by the fact they were shut out in all four games against these same two squads earlier in the 2007-08 campaign.

Bemidji State (4-21-3, 1-19-2 WCHA) attempted 18 shots in Saturday’s contest, which was six more than Friday’s game. Minnesota (21-4-3, 17-4-1 WCHA) fired 42 shots, and pushed their nation-best unbeaten streak to 17 games.

Michelle Maunu scored the first goal of the game at the 13:12 mark off assists by Kelli Blankenship and Jenelle Philipczyk. Rachael Drazan found the back of the net 17:48 into the first off an assist from Gigi Marvin, and the Gophers entered the first intermission ahead 2-0.

UM attempted 19 shots in the first stanza, but would only manage 14 and nine in the final two frames as BSU stepped up its defense.

The first two Minnesota goals were scored at even strength, and, even though the Beaver defense improved, they couldn’t stay out of the penalty box.

The Gophers took advantage of the BSU errors by scoring two more goals, both coming on the power play.

Erica McKenzie tipped in a goal 22 seconds into the second period off assists by Bobbi Ross and Anya Miller. Brittany Francis finished up the scoring 12:57 into the third off assists by Jen Schoullis and Philipczyk.

Robertson scored her goal 8:32 into the third frame, and she was assisted by the Rawlings sister’s in Monica (Jr., Maplewood, Minn.) and Nicole (So., Maplewood, Minn.). Monica notched her third assist of the season and the fifth of her career, and Nicole recorded her first assist of the season and the second of her career.

Emily Brookshaw (Sr., Webster, Wisc.) continues to struggle against these powerful offenses, as she gave up four goals. She did, however, save 38 shots. Kim Hanlon recorded her third win over the Beavers this season as she allowed the one goal to Robertson and saved 17 shots.

The Beavers will look to try and notch a win next weekend when they travel to Mankato, Minn., to take on Minnesota State University, Mankato at All Seasons Arena. The puck will drop on both contests at 7:07 p.m. and 3:07 p.m., respectively. One of BSU’s four points in Western Collegiate Hockey Association play came earlier this season when the Beavers tied the Mavericks 2-2 at the Glas.

--bsu--