Lady Bulldogs Sweep the Sioux

They're BAAACK! Following a disappointing series against the Gophers, the Lady Bulldogs respond resoundingly in Grand Forks, outscoring their opposition 9-2 on their way to a sweep of the Fighting Sioux of North Dakota. UMD got it rolling on Friday night with their first victory of the weekend, a 4-1 domination of UND. Although the Sioux scored the first goal of the contest, the Bulldogs just weren't having it, they answered back with a devastating three goal second period. Senior Emmanuelle Blais started the scoring frenzy 24 seconds into the period by redirecting Jamie Rasmussen's shot into the netting. Special teams then decided to make an appearance. Freshman forward Katie Wilson buried a powerplay rebound halfway through the second period to put UMD ahead by a score. UMD would remain on top. Blais wouldn't be out done, she added her own powerplay goal 15 minutes into the period on yet another rebound knock. Especially promising, was the ability of the girls to score with an extra skater. The powerplay had been surprisingly futile in recent contests, the two powerplay goals of the second period snapped an 0-15 streak the team had previously owned. Following 14 penalties called in the third period, Blais netted her third goal of the contest-another powerplay goal- recording her first collegiate hat trick, and sealing the victory for the Bulldogs.

Back at it Saturday night, UMD seemingly didn't miss a beat. Once again, North Dakota got off to a quick start, taking the lead 1-0 early in the first period. The Bulldogs were un-phased. Friday night's all-star, Emmanuelle Blais, answered the call quickly pushing another rebound past the Sioux goaltender. Her goal was short lived. Following a penalty on UND, senior forward Jaime Rasmussen blasted a slapshot into the back of the net 8 seconds into the powerplay. Saara Tuominen added her second point of the night later in the second period when she shelved a wrister from the right side of the ice early into the second period. Following the exciting period, the Bulldogs were able to freeze the UND offense, and coasted their way to their third straight sweep of the Fighting Sioux.

Coach Miller and her powerplay clinic take their show on the road again next weekend when they head to Erie, PA to take on Mercyhurst College. Hopefully they fare better on the east coast than their Minnesota Vikings.