The University of Minnesota women's hockey team earned a 6-3 win at MinnesotaState tonight, led by senior Emily West who had her first career hat trick.
The Gophers had a slow start, with MinnesotaState tallying four shots on goal in the first four minutes of play. After the slow start, the Gophers picked up the pace and took a 1-0 lead when Sarah Erickson scored eight and a half into the first period, getting an assist from Becky Kortum. Minnesota went on the power play at 15:50 in the period, and the Gophers capitalized on the power play, marking Minnesota's 30th power play goal of the season. Kelly Terry scored for the Gophers, with assists from Rachel Ramsey and Kelly Seeler. The Gophers would score once more in the period, getting a goal from Bethany Brausen with a minute and a half left in the period, assisted by Kelly Terry. Minnesota doubled MinnesotaState's shots in the period, finishing with a 14-7 advantage in shots.
MinnesotaState got two quick goals in the second period to bring the Mavericks within one at 3-2. Kari Lundberg with both goals for the Mavericks, with the first coming at 1:47 and the second at 3:58. Emily West added a goal for the Gophers six minutes into the period, getting assists from linemates Amanda Kessel and Jen Schoullis. The assist marked Kessel's 100th career point. Minnesota's lead was not safe, however, and the Mavericks got within one goal again before the period would end, getting a goal from Tracy McCann to bring the score to 4-3. MinnesotaState outshot the Gophers 12-10 in the second period. Minnesota gave up three goals in a period for just the fourth time this season, with all four instances happening on the road.
Emily West put the Gophers ahead 5-2 with a goal just under two minutes into the final period, assisted by Mira Jalosuo. West struck again nine minutes into the period, assisted by Sarah Erickson. The goal gave West her first career hat trick, and made her the fourth Gopher player to score a hat trick this season. The Gophers outshot the Mavericks 10-4 in the final period, and held on to the 6-3 lead to finish the game.
With the win, the Gophers improve to 21-4-2 on the season, and 15-4-2 in conference play. MinnesotaState moves to 7-20-0 overall and 3-18-0 in WCHA play.
The same teams meet again tomorrow at All Seasons Arena at 3 p.m.
