MADISON, Wis. --- The Minnesota State women skaters traveled to Madison, Wisconsin to take on the tenth-ranked University of Wisconsin and earned their second straight win by defeating the Badgers, 5-3.

The Badgers came to All Seasons Arena earlier this season and swept the Mavericks. Before Friday’s contest the Mavericks were 0-42-2 all-time against Wisconsin.

The Mavericks opened scoring in the contest when sophomore defender Jenna Peterson sent in a slap shot from the blue line that senior Captain Kala Buganski redirected for the score. The goal marked the fourth of the year for Buganski, while senior blueliner Holly Snyder also earned an assist on the goal. For Peterson, the assist marked the first point of the season for the second year player.

At the 8:11 mark in the first, Buganski tallied her second goal of the game giving MSU the 2-0 advantage. Senior forward and Alternate Captain Ashley Young dug the puck out of the corner and made a nice centering pass to Buganski.

Late in the first frame, Minnesota State was given their first power play opportunity. Sophomore Moira O’Connor slapped in a power play goal from the right circle, glove side of Badger goaltender Alannah McCready. The goal was scored at the 12:15 mark and sophomore blueliner Jackie Otto earned the lone assist on the goal.

The Badgers cut Minnesota State’s lead to two late in the first with an even strength goal scored by Wisconsin forward Brianna Decker. Badger Kelly Nash assisted on the goal.

Freshman Lauren Zrust tallied the only score of the second period, increasing the Mavericks lead to 4-1. Rookie forward Lauren Smith stole the puck, centered it to Zrust who was able to find the back of the net.

The Badgers defenseman Stefanie McKeough tallied goal number two of the afternoon for Wisconsin, cutting the deficit to two.  

The Mavericks continued to put the puck on net and it paid off when Peterson hit Zrust for MSU’s fifth goal of the contest. Buganski also earned a helper on the score.

Wisconsin added a goal late, making the final 5-3.

With her two goals and one assist, Buganski tied her career high for goals and points in a game. The Mavericks are 5-0 all-time when Buganski scores two goals.

Peterson and Zrust also earned career highs; Zrust with her two goals and two points and Peterson with her two assists and two points.

Minnesota State goaltender Alli Altmann earned a career-best 48 saves in the game and her sixth win of the year.

The historic victory will be aired on the Big Ten Network, Monday, February 15, at 4:00 p.m. central time.

The Mavericks (6-18-5, 4-16-5-3 WCHA) will finish their series with the Badgers Sunday morning at 11:07 a.m. at the Kohl Center.

To view game  stats, click HERE.

To view season stats, click HERE.

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