What's On Tap:  The Minnesota State women's hockey team saw its four-game unbeaten streak snapped at the hands of No. 2 Wisconsin last weekend and will face the Badgers once more this weekend in the first round of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association playoffs. The best-of-three series will feature Friday and Saturday games both at 7:07 p.m., with Sunday's 4:07 p.m., tilt is necessary.
 
On the heels of a sweep of then-No. 4 North Dakota, Minnesota State (12-21-1, 7-20-1 WCHA) was unable to get past Wisconsin on senior weekend a week ago in Mankato. Wisconsin (25-5-2, 21-5-2 WCHA) enters the postseason winners of nine of its last 11 contests with the two losses coming at the hands of No. 1 Minnesota.
 
Last Time on the Ice:  Minnesota State found itself in a two-goal hole to the Badgers after the first period of the series opener. Senior Kelsie Scott (Souris, Man.) brought the Mavericks within one at 7:24 of the second period when she picked up a clearing attempt along the boards and snapped an unassisted goal into the upper right-hand corner for her fifth goal of the year. Unfortunately, Wisconsin answered back with an even-strength tally less than four minutes later before completing the 5-1 victory with a pair of short-handed goals in the final eight minutes of the third period. Senior Danielle Butters (London, Ont.) registered 45 saves, three shy of her career-high, in the contest.
 
Last Saturday's series finale was scoreless after 20 minutes until UW netted a five-on-three power-play goal 4:49 into the second period. Sophomore Katie Johnson (Anoka, Minn.) and Scott combined to find senior Lauren Barnes (Burnsville, Minn.) in front of the net 2:05 into the third tying the game at 1-1. However, the Badgers responded five minutes later with two goals 10 seconds apart to solidify the 3-1 win and series sweep.
 
Scouting the Badgers:  Wisconsin stands 25-5-2 overall and 21-5-2 in the WCHA after upending the Mavericks twice at All Seasons Arena last weekend. Offensively, UW averages 3.22 goals and 35.4 shots per game while allowing a mere 1.16 goals and 23.8 shots per game to its opponents. The Badger power-play owns a 24.8% (28/113) conversion rate, and the penalty-kill holds a 92.2% (83/90) success rate.
 
Head coach Mark Johnson is in his 10th season leading the Badgers and has amassed a 305-51-28 career record with four national championships.  Senior Brittany Ammerman (F, 5-6, River Vale, N.J.) continues to pace Wisconsin in goals and points with 22-17=39 to date including eight power-play markers and six game-winners. Junior Blayre Turnbull (F, 5-7, Stellarton, N. S.) is right behind with 16-19=35, while sophomore Courtney Burke (D, 5-9, Albany, N.Y.) leads the squad in assists (21) and leads all blue-liners in points (25). Senior Madison Packer (F, 5-9, Birmingham, Mich.) has also generated double-digit goals and assists to sit fourth in points with 10-10=20 thus far. In goal, senior Alex Rigsby (G, 5-7, Delafield, Wis.) owns an outstanding .949 saves percentage and 1.21 goals against average with five shutouts in 21 starts.
 
Inside the MSU-UW Series: Minnesota State stands 1-60-3  all-time against Wisconsin including a 0-2-0 record in Madison this season after dropping a pair of contests with the Badgers back in October by counts of 3-0 and 5-1.
 
Minnesota State All-Time: The MSU women's hockey program - started in 1998-99 - is currently in its 16th season of competition and has compiled a 157-357-47 (.322) record in 561 total games played.  The Mavericks are in their 15th year as members of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association and hold an 89-272-39 (.271) mark in 400 league contests.

To view the complete 19-page PDF of this release, click HERE.