Wisconsin Busts Bemidji State, 8-2
October 16, 2004 | Women's Hockey
In its WCHA season-opener, the No. 4 Wisconsin women's hockey team pounded Bemidji State, 8-2 at the Kohl Center, Friday afternoon. The Badgers improve to 3-0-0 overall and began the conference season 1-0-0. The Beavers drop to 1-2-0 (0-1-0 WCHA).
'It's nice to see a couple of players get off to a good start,' said head coach Mark Johnson. 'Their hard work has paid off and they 're able to score some goals'in the conference games, that's always good.'
Three Badgers led the team in goals as Sara Bauer, Molly Engstrom and Heidi Kletzien each scored two goals. Wisconsin's remaining two goals were thanks to Sharon Cole at 10:10 in the second period and Bobbi-Jo Slusar with the game-winning third goal at 7:47 in the second.
The Beavers came into the game strong scoring the first goal of the game at 7:23 in the first period. It would be over 20 minutes until they scored their final goal of the afternoon. Wisconsin dominated the play taking 45 shots compared to BSU 's 13.
Kletzien's two goals were the first of her career as she scored the second and eighth goals of the game. Bauer and Macy teamed up again as Macy assisted on both of Bauer's goals and lent a hand on Slusar's game-winner and nearly scored the final goal hitting the pipe before Kletzien finished the job.
In the net, Meghan Horras made 11 saves for the Badgers while the WCHA's Defensive Player of the Week, Jill Luebke had to fend off 41 shots on goal and stopped 34 from hitting the net.
'The puck's going in right now, but it's not going to be this way all year long,' admitted Johnson. But for now he is enjoying the experience it provides. 'Once you get rolling it gives you a chance to get some people some ice time. It bodes well for the chemistry of this team. '
Both teams will be back for game two, Sunday at 2:05 p.m. at the Kohl Center. Live stats and a full recap will be available on uwbadgers.com.
