Gophers Blanked by Bemidji

Bemidji, MN (Gophersports.com) - The Gopher women's hockey team dropped a 2-0 decision at Bemidji State Saturday, splitting its WCHA-opening series after winning 3-1 win on Friday.

The Beavers held on to an early 1-0 lead and added an empty-net goal to earn the series split.

Minnesota (3-1-0, 1-1-0 WCHA) received 17 saves from goaltender Sidney Peters, including holding the Beavers scoreless on four power-play opportunities. Bemidji State goaltender Brittni Mowat made 31 saves as the Gophers outshot BSU, 31-19.

"Well, we're disappointed in the end result," head coach Brad Frost said. "You give up a goal early and then have that stand, credit Bemidji, they blocked a lot of shots. Brittni Mowat played fantastic and made some highlight reel saves in the second period in particular."

"We generated a lot of chances but weren't able to put the puck in the net, and when you don't do that it's really tough to win a hockey game."

Despite out-shooting the Beavers 16-4 during the second period, Minnesota failed to score the equalizer and headed into the third period still trailing BSU by one.

The Gophers peppered Mowat with 10 shots on goal in the third period but could not solve the Beavers netminder. Minnesota couldn't convert on its second power play of the game with 4:25 remaining and pulled Peters for the extra attacker with 1:20 to play, but BSU's Ciscely Nelson then sealed the game with an empty-net goal with 1:05 on the clock.

"There are some things that we can learn from," Frost said. "Our power play had an opportunity there at the end and couldn't cash in, but overall, we played a real good team on the road and came away with the split. We wish we could've had better, but we'll regroup and get ready to go next weekend."

Minnesota returns home to host No. 6 Minnesota Duluth next weekend.