MADISON, Wis. – After a seven-point month for the second-ranked Badgers, Wisconsin women's hockey freshman Kirsten Simms has been named the WCHA Rookie of the Month, the league announced on Tuesday.

It marks the third time this year that a Badger rookie has earned the honor from the league as Caroline Harvey was named the WCHA Rookie of the Month for September and October.

A native of Plymouth, Michigan, Simms recorded a point in every game for UW in December, leading the Badgers to a 5-0 record in the month.

The center enjoyed a four-point weekend at Minnesota State on Dec. 9-10, recording a goal and three assists to propel the Badgers to a sweep of the Mavericks.

Simms and the second-ranked Badgers welcome No. 8 Minnesota Duluth to LaBahn Arena this weekend. Puck drop on Saturday is set for 1 p.m. while Sunday's series finale begins at noon.