The Gophers women’s hockey team scored two goals late in the third period to complete a 3-2, come-from-behind victory over the Minnesota Whitecaps in an exhibition game Friday night.
Down 2-1 with 2:10 remaining in the third period, freshman Sarah Davis scored the equalizing goal for the Gophers. Junior Jen Schoullis scored the game winner with 1:03 left sliding the puck under the legs of Whitecaps goalie Kim Hanlon.
Goalie Alyssa Grogan withstood a scramble in front of the net with ten seconds left in the game to preserve the victory.
The Gophers saw their streak of 210 minutes and 52 seconds without allowing a goal snapped tonight as Whitecaps forward Allie Thunstrom snuck the first goal of the game past Grogan 10:52 through the second period.
A Jen Schoullis slap shot with 1:34 left in the second period tied the game at one, but the Whitecaps took the lead 14 seconds later on a goal by Saara Tuominen.
The Gophers had a chance to tie the game after going on the power play with 5:34 left in the third. A shot in front of the net by Davis came close to crossing the goal line, but official review confirmed that no goal had been scored.
Three minutes later, Davis seized her second chance to tie the game.
Again her shot in question was reviewed, but this time it was ruled a goal, her first as a Gopher.
“It was more of a relief than anything,” Davis said. “Finally, get the first goal, it couldn’t of come at a better time.”
Schoullis scored her second goal of the game just over a minute later putting the Gophers up for good. On an night when it seemed as if nothing would go in for the Gophers, Schoullis’ final goal slid right under the legs of Hanlon.
Junior Alyssa Grogan started in goal for the Gophers and stopped 20 of 22 shots on goal. Coach Brad Frost said he plans to start sophomore, All-American goalie Noora Raty tomorrow against Wayne State.
While freshman Amanda Kessel and junior Anne Schleper had the night off and will play against Wayne State tomorrow, senior Emily West will not play due to an injury. West is the Gophers returning leading scorer.
The Gophers play their final non-conference game tomorrow against Wayne State before the WCHA season begins Oct 15 against North Dakota.
