Badgers Close Out 2006 at SCSU
December 07, 2006 | Women's Hockey
It's that time of the year again. It's a time when the holidays, final exams and the excitement of the approaching New Year become foundation for distraction. However, the No. 2 Wisconsin women's hockey team has one thing on its mind 'to finish out the month with a sweep of its final opponent in 2006. Traveling to St. Cloud State, the Badgers take on the Huskies for the second time this season in a Dec. 8-9 series.
Badger fans can listen to both games between UW and SCSU live online on KVSC FM in St. Cloud by clicking here . Both games are slated to face off at 2:07 p.m.
Yet, the Cardinal and White have many reasons to be thankful and to celebrate this month. After toppling Robert Morris last weekend, shutting them out both games and scoring a combined 15 points against them in Pittsburgh, the Badgers moved to 16-1-1 overall and 12-1-1 in WCHA action, their best start in program history.
In addition, senior Sara Bauer played herself into the record books again. After notching three goals and three assists on the weekend, Bauer became Wisconsin's career scoring leader. The assistant captain bypassed a record previously held by Meghan Hunter by recording her 178th and 179th career points on Saturday. In 129 career games, Bauer has accumulated 66 goals and 113 assists.
Following the sweep over RMU, Bauer and defenseman Meaghan Mikkelson garnered WCHA honors. While Bauer was named WCHA Offensive Player of the Week, Mikkelson was proclaimed Defensive Player of the Week. The awards are the first of the season for both skaters.
In her last year of eligibility, Mikkelson has stepped up and become an important asset for the Badgers. Against RMU, the St. Albert, Alberta, native recorded the most productive weekend of her career with one goal and five assists. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed, as she currently leads all Division I defensemen in points with 22 and assists with 17. In addition, four of her five goals this season have become eventual game-winners, tying her for the national lead in that category.
Of significant note, with Bauer (23), sophomore Erika Lawler (18) and Mikkelson (17), the Badgers boast three of the top four players in the country in assists.
Earlier this season in Madison, Wisconsin swept the Huskies on Oct. 6-7 with an 8-2 win on Friday and a 2-1 overtime victory on Saturday.
St. Cloud State (7-9-2 overall, 4-9-1 WCHA) is lead by rookie Holly Roberts who has posted 10 goals and seven assists for the Huskies. Following close behind are senior Hailey Clarkson and sophomore Laura Fast, who have 15 and 13 total points, respectively.
Two upperclassmen share time in net for SCSU, each recording three wins thus far. Junior Carmen Lizee holds a 2.39 goals-against average and a .903 save percentage. Senior Lauri St. Jacques boasts two shutouts and a .861 save percentage.
The puck is set to drop at 2:07 pm. on both Friday and Saturday at the National Hockey Center in St. Cloud.
