St. Cloud State
2-8-0)(1-5-0WCHA
Minnesota Duluth
5-7-0)(3-5-0WCHA
Huskies’ late rally falls short in 4-2 loss at Minnesota Duluth
11/4/2017 6:35:00 PM | Women's Hockey
St. Cloud State unable to pull itself all the way out of early three-goal deficit
DULUTH—A resurgent third period effort was not enough for the St. Cloud State women's hockey team (2-8-0, 1-5-0-0 WCHA) on Saturday as its furious late rally fell just short in a 4-2 sweep-sealing loss at Minnesota Duluth (5-7-0, 3-5-0-0).
The setback was the Huskies' ninth straight to the in-state rival Bulldogs and fifth in six conference contests to start this season.
After a lackluster opening two periods and trailing by three, 3-0, SCSU's determined third period effort drew it within one with just over 10 minutes to play. The Huskies out-attempted UMD by a commanding 22-12 margin in the final 20 minutes and out-shot it, 13-8, and were rewarded with goals from sophomore defender Abby Thiessen and junior forward Julia Tylke—but the hole they dug themselves early on proved to be too deep.
"We decided to play in the third but at that point it is too little too late," head coach Eric Rud said. "We finally cared. For two periods I did not think we cared and it was the most disappointed I have been in our team maybe since I have been here."
Minnesota Duluth's empty net goal with 37 seconds to play extinguished SCSU's comeback hopes for good.
The Bulldogs controlled the first two stanzas and capitalized on a 24-11 shots on goal advantage to build their three-goal advantage. The Huskies' lack of shots was not for a dearth of effort, though. Down by one, 1-0, after one period, SCSU began moving the puck well to set up quality chances but was unable to put enough of them on net—whiffing on potential shots or failing to get a stick on loose pucks in the crease. Those lost opportunities to draw level proved to loom large as UMD jumped on its second period chances to push its lead to three
"That was all mental," Rud said of the missed opportunities. "I don't think we were prepared well today and it carried right over into the game. The biggest disappointment was liking our team that much in the third period, but disliking it for two."
Perhaps the most disheartening aspect of Saturday's defeat was that the Huskies showed the team they are capable of being, but were hindered by a slow and sloppy start and squandered chances—mistakes their opponent did not make.
"I really like this team and I really like the direction we can be going," Rud said. "But you have to play. If you do not show up to play you are going to get beat."
Thiessen's goal was the first of her collegiate career and third point in her last four games, while Tylke's tally was her team-leading fifth of the season and third in four games.
Freshman goaltender Emma Polusny made 27 saves in the loss.
After four-straight road games, St. Cloud State returns to the friendly confines of the Herb Brooks Hockey Center next weekend to face Bemidji State. The Huskies and Beavers will face off on Friday, November 10 at 6:07 p.m., and Saturday, November 11 at 3:07 p.m.
Fans can purchase tickets to the WCHA series ahead of time at scsutickets.com or at the arena box office on game day. SCSU students with a valid university ID, fans ages 18 and under and Huskies men's hockey season ticket holders receive free admission to all women's hockey home games.
###
