Gophers Fall, 4-1 in WCHA Championship Game - GOPHERSPORTS.COM - The Official Athletic Site of the Minnesota Gophers

Gophers Fall, 4-1 in WCHA Championship Game
The University of Minnesota women's hockey team fell, 4-1, in the WCHA Championship game, today at Ridder Arena. The Gophers scored a power-play goal in the first period to tie the game 1-1, but Wisconsin scored a goal in the first, second and third

The University of Minnesota women's hockey team fell, 4-1, in the WCHA Championship game, today at Ridder Arena. The Gophers scored a power-play goal in the first period to tie the game 1-1, but Wisconsin scored a goal in the first, second and third for their first WCHA Championship title. Freshman forward Gigi Marvin and senior Allie Sanchez was named to the WCHA All-Tournament team.

Cyndy Kenyon scored a power-play goal at 5:14 of the first period to give the Badgers a 1-0 lead. It was Kenyon's fifth goal of the tournament. Minnesota tied the game at 12:15 of the first period when Sanchez batted in a rebound attempt for her fifth goal of the season. Marvin started the play, passing it to Bobbi Ross. All three were in front of the net attempting to score, but it was Sanchez who tallied her fourth power-play goal of the season.

However, Wisconsin earned back the lead at 15:25 of the first period. Bobbi-Jo Slusar rifled in a slapshot, top-shelf, for her 11th goal of the season. Sara Bauer and Erika Lawler assisted on the play. The Gophers had their chances, outshooting the Badgers, 16-7 in the first period.

The Badgers capitalized on an even-strength goal at 15:01 by Emily Morris. Morris had just come out of the penalty box and crashed the net. She scored on a rebound attempt in front of the crease.

The Badgers added the final blow when Meaghan Mikkelson scored a power-play goal at 1:45 of the third period.

Gopher goalie Kim Hanlon played in the first period and allowed two goals. However, near the 18:28 mark of the first period, she suffered an ankle injury. She finished the first period, but did not return for the remainder of the game. Brittony Chartier was in goal for the second and third periods and had 10 saves in 12 attempts.

With the win, Wisconsin has automatically qualified for the NCAA Regional. Minnesota will await to hear if it will be selected for the NCAA Regional and be one of four teams to host. The Gophers currently rank fourth in the Pairwise. New Hampshire, St. Lawrence and Wisconsin hold the top three spots. The NCAA will annouce the eight teams tonight at 7:45 (CT) on CSTV.