Oct. 23, 2015
MADISON, Wis. – Thanks to 19 saves by junior netminder Ann-Renee Desbiens, the No. 2/3 Wisconsin women's hockey team earned its fifth-straight shutout with a 3-0 triumph over No. 6 Bemidji State in front of a sellout crowd at Labahn Arena on Friday night.

Desbiens earned her NCAA-leading fourth shutout of the season and her 21st career blank slate, which is tied for 12th in NCAA history. The La Malbaie, Quebec, native now leads the nation in goals-against average (0.35) and save percentage (.976).

With the win over previously undefeated Bemidji State (6-1-2, 3-1-1-0 WCHA), the Badgers (7-0-0, 5-0-0-0 WCHA) are off to their best start since the 2010-11 season when UW started 8-0 en route to the program's fourth NCAA title.

Around the midway point of the first period, freshman Mikaela Gardner took a shot from the point that Rachel Jones redirected right past Bemidji State goaltender Brittni Mowat to give UW the 1-0 lead.

The Cardinal and White struck again with 1:40 left in the first period, when freshman Sam Cogan caught a pass from Jenny Ryan and stuffed it in the back of the net.
"I give credit to Jenny," Cogan said. "She had good vision, and I was just in the right spot and was able to bury it."

Neither team was able to capitalize in the second period, despite multiple power-player opportunities for both squads.

Bemidji showed a more offensive presence later in the game, increasing their shots on net through each period.

"They had us in there, they had their top line out against our fourth line," UW head coach Mark Johnson said of Bemidji State's performance. "They're a worthy opponent and they obviously have an outstanding goalie. They block a lot of shots and play within their system."

Wisconsin lit the lamp again in the final minute of the third period, when Annie Pankowski scored an empty-netter after Bemidji State pulled Mowat for an extra attacker, extending her point streak to 10 games.

"It's a team effort," Johnson said of the team's fifth-consecutive shutout. "Obviously if you don't give up any goals, your chances of winning are pretty good."

The Badgers conclude their WCHA series against the Beavers tomorrow at LaBahn Arena with a 3 p.m. start.