It appears the University of Minnesota Duluth women's hockey team is ready for the second half of the season.
The Bulldogs drubbed the Minnesota Whitecaps 7-2 Saturday at AMSOIL Arena, less than 24 hours after handing the Korean National Team a 3-0 defeat. Both skates were exhibition games, but marked the first outside competition the Bulldogs faced since Dec. 9.
Saturday, UMD netted three goals in the first and second period to open up the game. Senior forward Katerina Mrázová jump started the offensive onslaught — of which she contributed to all game — a mere 2:49 into the first period after corralling a long rebound and burying it for the Bulldogs first goal of the skate. From there, Mrázová had a hand in five of UMD's seven goals, posting two scores of her own and adding two assists.
Junior forward Emma Yanko netted two goals, including one at 9:51 of the first period, and again at 18:30 of the second stanza. Two other players posted multiple point outings — sophomore forward Sydney Brodt and freshman forward Naomi Rogge, who both had two assists. In all, 10 UMD players registered points.
Senior goaltender Jessica Convery had 19 saves in 40 minutes of action, while sophomore Catherine Johnson had four in the third period.
The Bulldogs (9-11-1, 5-8-1-1 will return to Western Collegiate Hockey Association play next weekend when they host Bemidji State University at AMSOIL at 7:00 p.m. Friday night and 4:00 p.m. Saturday afternoon. The Beavers are currently three points in front of UMD in fourth place in the WCHA.
