MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State women's hockey will begin its longest road stretch of the season this week with three of the five games. The Mavericks will travel to St. Cloud State on Tuesday to finish up a series with the Huskies at 6:07 p.m. MSU will then travel and face #2 Wisconsin on Saturday and Sunday, beginning at 2:07 p.m., both days. 
 
Minnesota State All-Time: The MSU women's hockey program, which started in 1998-99, is currently in its 21st season of competition and has compiled a 185-476-62 (.299) record in 723 total games played. The Mavericks are in their 20th year as members in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association and hold a 114-378-49 (.256) in 541 games played.

Last Time on the Ice: Minnesota State (9-12-5, 3-11-3-2 WCHA) lost an exhibition game to the Minnesota Whitecaps on Saturday afternoon 3-0 at Verizon Center.

The Mavericks were shutout for the first time since a 2-0 loss to Ohio State on Dec. 2. The Whitecaps scored their first goal five minutes into the game with Allie Thunstrom scoring the goal. MNW extended the lead to 2-0 early in the second period with the leading scorer for the Whitecaps, Jonna Curtis, lighting the lamp. The final goal was scored with less than two minutes left in the second period by Lee Stecklein.

In net, senior Katie Bidulka and junior Chloe Crosby split time for the Mavericks against the Whitecaps. Bidluka collected 17 saves and allowed two goals, while Crosby turned away 14 shots and allowed one goal.
 
Scouting St. Cloud State: The Huskies (8-20-2, 3-16-0-0 WCHA) were swept by #9 Ohio State this past weekend at home. The Buckeys defeated the Huskies 4-0 and 5-0 on Friday and Saturday.

The SCSU offense features senior Julia Tylke who is tied for the team lead in points and goals this season (9-9--18). Freshman Jenniia Nylund is also tied for the team lead in points and leads the team in assists (6-12--18).

In net, St. Cloud State features junior Janine Adler (3-12-1) and sophomore Emma Polusny (5-8-1) who split time. Between the two of them they hold a 2.96 goals-against average, a .929 save percentage and have 1,147 saves so far this season with one shutout.

Facing St. Cloud State: All-time, the Mavericks are 33-40-13 against the Huskies, dating back to 1998. The last time the two teams met was Jan. 18 for the first game of this split series that SCSU won 3-1.

Scouting Wisconsin: The #2 Badgers (24-4-0, 14-4-0-0 WCHA) split a road series with Bemidji State last weekend. UW lost 2-1 last Friday and then bounced back with a 4-0 last Saturday. 

The Badger offense features senior Annie Pankowski (15-15--30) and junior Abby Roque (7-23--30). Pankowski leads the team in goals and Roque leads the team in assists, while both being tied for the team lead in points.

In net, the Badgers feature junior Kristen Campbell, who has started all 28 games this season. Campbell holds a 1.15 goals against average,  a .931 save percentage and has 418 saves so far this season. She has collected six shutouts, which leads the NCAA along with her 1.15 GAA.

Facing Wisconsin: All-time, the Mavericks are 2-84-3 against the Badgers. The last time the two teams met was Nov. 2-3 earlier this season when UW won both games 2-0 and 2-1 in Mankato, Minn.
 
Looking Ahead: Minnesota State will finish up its five-game road stretch next weekend against #1 Minnesota. The games will be on Friday and Saturday beginning at 7:07 p.m., and 4:07 p.m., respectively.