MADISON, Wis. – Thanks to a five-goal first period, the top-ranked Wisconsin women's hockey team raced past Minnesota State, 6-0, on Thursday night at LaBahn Arena. 

Lacey Eden and Kirsten Simms each lit the lamp twice, while Britta Curl and Laila Edwards also found the back of the net for the Badgers (5-0-0, 1-0-0-0-0-0 WCHA) as they shutout the Mavericks (2-1-0, 0-1-0-0-0-0 WCHA). 

Eden struck first for the Badgers, grabbing the lead just 53 seconds into the game, before Simms doubled the lead.  

UW was successful on the power play thanks to a goal from Eden and Curl joined in on the fun to make it 4-0. Simms capped off the first period with her second goal of the night. 

Edwards tallied the lone goal of the second period to put the Badgers up 6-0. 

Jane Gervais stopped all 22 of the shots she faced for her second shutout of the season. 

Three Notes of the Game
- Thanks to her three points on Thursday, Caroline Harvey reached the 50-point milestone in just her 46th career game. 
- UW has outscored their opponents 45-6 in just five games. The Badgers' 45 goals pace the country. 
- Tonight's win marked Wisconsin's 100th victory over Minnesota State. 

Straight from the Rink
Head Coach Mark Johnson
On Wisconsin's offense in the first period:
"That was a big thing prior to the game, I was talking about 'can we get off to a good start?' similar to what we did last game against BC. Obviously scoring on the first shift and then getting one not too long after that, then you get a power play and you can make it 3-0. It was a great first period, and I couldn't ask for anything more. [Wisconsin] set the tone early, and we put them on their heels real quick."

On the team's strengths:
"Our line rushes and things in the offensive zone are good. We're getting a lot of quality chances and can capitalize on a bunch of them. What I like is that they're sharing the puck, they're moving the puck and our zone entries are really good. We're doing a good job, and it's still early in the season, so hopefully that can continue as we move on."

Sophomore Kirsten Simms
On playing well against a conference opponent:
"It's awesome, we are getting our confidence up against teams in our conference. Knowing that we can go out there and control the pace, and move the puck the way we have been, it's a good feeling. It makes us feel more comfortable with each other, which is what we need for this group"

On how she has developed her offense:
"One of my big things is knowing when to shoot or pass. Sometimes I used to overpass, but being in my second year, I'm feeling more comfortable in being able to slow down, and read the right play, whether it's to take the shot or the pass. I have more confidence now that it's my second year."

Up Next: The Badgers wrap up their series with Minnesota State on Friday with a 7 p.m. tilt. The game is sold out, but fans can watch the game on Big Ten Plus.