Madison, Wis.  -  Three second-period goals proved to be the difference as Wisconsin defeated Minnesota State, 3-0, to open the best-of-three series in the first round of the WCHA Playoffs.

After skating to a scoreless tie after the first, the Badgers rattled off three goals in the second over the span of roughly 12 minutes.  The third period played identically to the first as neither team found the back of the net in the final 20 minutes.

Senior goaltender Alexa Berg stopped 39 of the 42 shots she faced, while Wisconsin netminder Cami Kronish stopped all 21 of the attempts fired her way.

The Mavericks (15-19-1) must win tomorrow afternoon to keep the series – and their season – alive.  Gametime is slated for 3 p.m.