Wisconsin sweeps Wayne women

Last weekend, the third-ranked Wisconsin Badgers traveled to Detroit to sweep the Wayne State Warriors. Despite varied offensive efforts from the Warriors on Friday and a solid effort from goalie Valery Turcotte, the Badgers earned a 5-3 victory on Friday and a 3-0 victory on Saturday.

Friday's contest started well for the Warriors. Sam Poyton, the CHA's leading scorer, lit the lamp less than two minutes into the game off an assist from Laura Monk (pictured). Wayne State maintained the 1-0 lead for the remainder of the first period.

A deflected shot tied the game for Wisconsin at the start of the second, but Wayne held the game close. This time, it was Poyton setting up Monk for the goal and WSU the regained lead. However, Wisconsin outshot Wayne 14-5 over the course of the period and scored two additional goals to gain a firm 4-2 lead going into the final period.

The Warriors remained in contention, as Tina Vanderhoeven got some help from Melissa Boal and Kristy Leng to bring the Warriors within a goal. Coach Jim Fetter opted to pull Turcotte in the last 1:22, but Wisconsin notched an empty-net goal to seal the 5-3 win.

Turcotte finished with 21 saves.

The Warriors were looking for redemption on Saturday, but the Badgers didn't budge.

On Saturday, a penalty-laden first period combined with 14 Badger shots equaled no goals for the Warriors. Turcotte remained solid and kept her team in the game by shutting out Wisconsin for the first 37 minutes.

Wisconsin scored twice in the second period and continued to dominate the game offensively, outshooting Wayne 11-5. A Wisconsin hooking penalty resulted in a penalty shot for Wayne captain Jessica Snelgrove, but she was stoned by Wisconsin goalie Jessie Vetter.

Wisconsin scored again at 3:14 of the third and WSU managed only two shots in the last period.

Turcotte finished Saturday's game with 33 saves.

The Warriors are on the road next weekend to face CHA powerhouse Mercyhurst College.