MINNEAPOLIS –In a battle of the top-two teams in NCAA women's college hockey, the Wisconsin women's hockey team dropped a 3-1 decision to No. 2 Minnesota on Saturday at Ridder Arena. 

UW freshman Sophie Shirley scored in the second period for the Badgers (21-3-0, 11-3-0-0 WCHA) but it wasn't enough against the Golden Gophers (22-3-1, 12-3-1-0 WCHA). 

The Gophers got a 1-0 lead in the first period as Sophie Skarzynski scored from the top of the left circle.

After Minnesota got a fluky goal to double its lead, Shirley scored her 13th of the year to cut the deficit to half.

However, Nicole Schammel scored her second of the game in the third period to extend the Minnesota lead to 3-1.

Play of the Game
Shirley's goal came at a crucial time of the game as the freshman scored 22 seconds after Minnesota's second goal. The Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, native got a great look on Minnesota goaltender Sydney Scobee and after her initial shot was saved, Shirley punched home the rebound.

Three Notes of the Game
    - Wisconsin outshot Minnesota 38-25, marking the 23rd time this year UW has outshot its opponents.
    - Despite the loss, the Badgers have won seven of their last 10 games against the Golden Gophers.
    - UW went a perfect 4-for-4 on the penalty kill and killed off all six penalties they took this weekend. 

Straight from the Rink
Freshman Sophie Shirley
On her goal:
"Coming in after the first period we just kind of wanted to get pucks to the net and that's what I was trying to do. I just tried to get it on net and was able to my rebound, so it was nice."
 
On what to improve on moving forward:
"Just getting pucks to the net. Doing that can create chances for ourselves so I think through the next week that's what we're going to try to do."

Up Next: 
UW returns home to host St. Cloud State next weekend at LaBahn Arena. Puck drop on Friday, Jan. 25 is set for 7 p.m. while the series wraps up on Saturday, Jan. 26 at 6 p.m.