University of Minnesota Athletics
Gopher Women's Hockey Opens Second Semester With a Win
1/10/2003 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
The Golden Gophers took the early lead when Natalie Darwitz scored her 18th goal of the season at 5:30 in the first period. Kelly Stephens picked up the puck from Allie Sanchez and wrapped around the back of the net to find Darwitz coming down the slot. The Huskies tried to tie the game having a five-on-three opportunity for a minute and 29 seconds, but the Gophers did not allow a goal and went into the intermission with a one-goal lead.
The Gophers outshot the Huskies, 12-3, but could not convert a goal and went scoreless in the second stanza. Minnesota ended its scoreless streak 35 seconds into the third period when Darwitz netted her second goal of the night, with Stephens and Krissy Wendell setting up the goal. SCSU cut the lead in half when Melanie Pudsey scored at 6:39, putting the game back to a one-goal lead. St. Cloud State pulled their goalie, Laura Gieselman, with a 1:05 left on the clock, but the Gophers held off the Huskies for the final.
Jody Horak gained her 14th win of the season, sitting at 14-1-0 on the 2002-03 campaign. Horak had 20 saves in the contest, keeping the Huskies scoreless for 53:21 into the game. Gieselman had a stellar performance between the pipes for the Huskies and had 34 saves.
It was the first time the Gophers had played in competition in over a month. The Gophers last game was a 3-1 win over Minnesota State, Mankato, Dec. 8 in Mankato, Minn. The Maroon and Gold will complete the series, this time in Minneapolis, tomorrow at Ridder Arena. The Gophers will look for the sweep with the game starting at 4:05 p.m.
