(UW ATHLETICS) MADISON – The No. 1/2 Wisconsin women’s hockey team matched an NCAA record with an eight-goal first period en route to a 12-0 win over Lindenwood in its season-opening game on Friday at LaBahn Arena.
The Badgers (1-0-0) scored eight times, a program record, in front of a sellout crowd at LaBahn Arena against Lindenwood (0-3-0). UW’s eight goals were the most since Minnesota scored eight in the second period against St. Cloud State in 2015.
Lacey Eden scored two goals in the first. Laila Edwards, Kelly Gorbatenko, Ava Murphy, Marianne Picard and Sarah Wozniewicz all scored their first goals of the season in the first period. Maggie Scannell also scored in the first period for her first NCAA goal.
Hannah Halverson scored her first NCAA goal in the second period, the only goal the Badgers scored in the second.
Chloe Baker took over goaltending duties from Ava McNaughton in the third period. Kirsten Simms opened the scoring a minute into the third period. Gorbatenko scored her second of the game just two minutes later. Casey O’Brien closed out the scoring with one of her own to end the game 12-0.
Baker saved five shots, posting a combined shutout with Ava McNaughton, who saved all four shots she faced in the first two periods. Eden, Gorbatenko and O’Brien put together four points each.
Three Notes of the Game
– Wisconsin outshot Lindenwood 30-4 in the first period and had a 60-14 advantage by the end of the game. The Badger defense allowed 0 shots on goal in the second period.
– UW tied a school record for most goals in a season-opening game as the Badgers also enjoyed an 11-0 win against Lindenwood on Sept. 23, 2011.
– Five Badgers made their debuts, with Halverson and Scannell scoring in their debut NCAA games.
Straight from the Rink
UW head coach Mark Johnson
On opening the season:
“They were ready to play. We had a short skate this morning. You could feel the energy, the excitement; they worked hard this summer. It was time to play, you could see in the first 10 minutes you could see the excitement from everybody.”
On Kelly Gorbatenko’s memorable performance:
“She had a good freshman year. Like a lot of our young players, there’s usually a jump in that second year. She worked hard over the year, she worked on her skating, and other parts of her game. It was an opportunity for us to see what she looked like. She played hard and created score opportunities, got some goals, and kept her feet moving. Good positive things.”
Sophomore Kelly Gorbatenko
On starting the game:
“I’m happy where I was booked, but I have a great line with Casey and Lacey. They helped me out so much. Even just in practice, they help coach me. I’m grateful to play with them. They’re fantastic, and I’m excited to see what’s to come.”
On her new freshman teammates:
“It’s intimidating, the fans bring so much energy. They’ve been practicing all summer, and they’ve been putting in the work. It’s nice to see them rewarded for that, and they get more comfortable day by day. It was nice to see we have a competitive team, which is fantastic.”
Junior Lacey Eden
On the team’s mindset for tonight’s game
“We’ve been practicing for about a month now. I think everyone’s so excited to have that competition back and everyone was ready to go. You could feel it during warm-ups, a little bit of anxious nerves, even me. This is my fourth first game, I was a little bit nervous too, but I think that always helps you get ready for the game.”
On playing with intensity
“I think you have to realize that you only get to play so many games of hockey. So, if you’re not giving it your 100% every single game, no matter what the score is, then you’re missing an opportunity. At least, that’s the perspective I’ve taken in every situation. It’s just a chance to get better.”
Up Next: Wisconsin wraps up its series against Lindenwood on Saturday with a 2 p.m. contest at LaBahn Arena.
