University of Minnesota Athletics
Golden Gophers Advance to WCHA Semifinals with 4-1 win
2/25/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Hockey
Brittany Francis scored a goal and three assists, while Bobbi Ross netted two goals and an assist to lead the No. 9 University of Minnesota women’s hockey team to a 4-1 win over Bemidji State in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association first round playoffs. With the win tonight and 5-1 win yesterday, the Golden Gophers advance to the WCHA Championships next weekend, March 3-4, at Ridder Arena. The Gophers now hold a 22-11-1 overall record, while finishing BSU’s season at 11-20-5.
The Gophers struck early when they scored on their first shot on goal at 2:24 in the first period. Francis scored her ninth goal of the season on a power-play attempt. She received a pass from Erica McKenzie as she centered the puck. Francis buried it from point blank for her second power-play goal in two games and fourth of the season. Melanie Gagnon tallied the second assist. With McKenzie’s setup, she tallied her 100th point of her career. McKenzie established her 100th point in 104 games. She is the 14th Golden Gopher and second this season to reach the 100-point mark. Ross established the feat earlier this season on Jan. 28 against North Dakota.
Minnesota added to its lead when Ross found the net at 18:18 of the first. Andrea Nichols set up Ross beautifully in front of the net as Ross placed it through the five hole for her 17th goal of the season. Francis added her first assist. The Gophers and Beavers each rattled off eight shots with the Gophers scoring twice in the period.
Minnesota scored its third goal when Michelle Maunu scored her second goal of the season at 12:51 in the second period. Ross passed the puck Maunu, who was at the point. Maunu attempted a shot on net, which deflected into the net. Francis had the second assist for her third point in the game. Minnesota only had three shots on goal in the second, but converted on one of them.
Each team scored a goal in the final period of action. Tara Hiscock scored a goal at 14:02, but Minnesota responded 1:42 later when Ross scored her second goal of the evening at 15:44 of the third. Gagnon and Francis each tallied an assist. With her third assist of the game, Francis set a career-high four points and three assists in the win.
For the second straight night, the Gophers did not allow a power-play goal in six BSU tries. BSU was zero-for-six the previous night as well. The Gophers also stopped both of the Beavers’ five-on-three attempts with one coming in the first and another in the second.
Minnesota’s opponent next weekend is to be determined. Ohio State defeated Minnesota State, 5-4 in overtime tonight, also advancing them to the WCHA Championships. Minnesota will most likely play in the 4 p.m. game next weekend.
The Gophers struck early when they scored on their first shot on goal at 2:24 in the first period. Francis scored her ninth goal of the season on a power-play attempt. She received a pass from Erica McKenzie as she centered the puck. Francis buried it from point blank for her second power-play goal in two games and fourth of the season. Melanie Gagnon tallied the second assist. With McKenzie’s setup, she tallied her 100th point of her career. McKenzie established her 100th point in 104 games. She is the 14th Golden Gopher and second this season to reach the 100-point mark. Ross established the feat earlier this season on Jan. 28 against North Dakota.
Minnesota added to its lead when Ross found the net at 18:18 of the first. Andrea Nichols set up Ross beautifully in front of the net as Ross placed it through the five hole for her 17th goal of the season. Francis added her first assist. The Gophers and Beavers each rattled off eight shots with the Gophers scoring twice in the period.
Minnesota scored its third goal when Michelle Maunu scored her second goal of the season at 12:51 in the second period. Ross passed the puck Maunu, who was at the point. Maunu attempted a shot on net, which deflected into the net. Francis had the second assist for her third point in the game. Minnesota only had three shots on goal in the second, but converted on one of them.
Each team scored a goal in the final period of action. Tara Hiscock scored a goal at 14:02, but Minnesota responded 1:42 later when Ross scored her second goal of the evening at 15:44 of the third. Gagnon and Francis each tallied an assist. With her third assist of the game, Francis set a career-high four points and three assists in the win.
For the second straight night, the Gophers did not allow a power-play goal in six BSU tries. BSU was zero-for-six the previous night as well. The Gophers also stopped both of the Beavers’ five-on-three attempts with one coming in the first and another in the second.
Minnesota’s opponent next weekend is to be determined. Ohio State defeated Minnesota State, 5-4 in overtime tonight, also advancing them to the WCHA Championships. Minnesota will most likely play in the 4 p.m. game next weekend.
Players Mentioned
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