The Wisconsin women's hockey team's unbeaten streak came to an end last weekend as the Badgers split a series with St. Cloud State. The run ceased at an NCAA record 32 games.
In Friday's loss, the No. 12 Huskies went up 1-0 on a goal by sophomore forward Meaghan Pezon.
The Badgers countered later in the first period with a goal from sophomore forward Kyla Sanders, who scored her fourth goal of the season to even the game at one.
St. Cloud State's sophomore forward Felicia Nelson gave the Huskies the lead for good with six minutes remaining in the final period, beating junior goalie Jessie Vetter for the game-winner.
It appeared as if Wisconsin tied the game late in the third period, but sophomore forward Emily Kranz's bid was waived off due to a stick in the crease.
The loss was the first time Wisconsin dropped a game since Nov. 24, 2006, when it was defeated by Minnesota-Duluth 2-0 at the Kohl Center.
Wisconsin got its revenge Saturday night, defeating St. Cloud State 5-0. Junior goalie Jessie Vetter broke Wisconsin's all-time career shutout record, making 12 saves for her 19th career blanking.
Freshman forward Mallory Deluce and senior forward Jinelle Zaugg combined for a full house of scoring, as Deluce netted a hat trick while Zaugg added a pair of goals.
Deluce started Wisconsin's scoring with a power-play goal halfway into the first period. Zaugg scored five minutes later for a 2-0 lead.
Midway through the second period, Deluce put the Badgers up 3-0, as she redirected a shot from freshman defender Olivia Jakiel for her second goal.
Zaugg and Deluce added a goal each in the third period to end the scoring.
Wisconsin hosts Minnesota State Friday and Saturday at the Kohl Center.
- uwbadgers.com contributed to this report.
Analysis
Although the Badgers lost for the first time in almost a year, Wisconsin only dropped to second in the USCHO.com rankings. No. 5 Minnesota-Duluth tied and beat No. 2 Mercyhurst, which propelled the Bulldogs to No. 1.
The Badgers were No. 2 for much of last season behind Mercyhurst. Head coach Mark Johnson has spoken multiple times about a target being on Wisconsin's chest and back, and another team ranked ahead of Wisconsin might take some of the spotlight off the Badgers.
With such a young team, the Badgers can afford early season lessons such as those they have seen the last two weekends in the tie against Ohio State and the loss against St. Cloud State.
Wisconsin outplayed the Huskies each night, outshooting them 36-19 and 42-12 over the two games.
The Huskies have given the Badgers problems over the past two seasons. Last season, Wisconsin tied St. Cloud State twice, and lost two seasons ago in St. Cloud 1-0 after the Badgers outshot the Huskies 36-12. Wisconsin's retaliation Saturday showed the kind of team it plans to be this season.
