The Gophers women’s hockey team outshot Clarkson 37-23 on their way to a 5-0 season-opening victory Friday night in Potsdam, N.Y.

Redshirt-junior Jen Schoullis scored her first goal in over a year for the Gophers and the team’s first goal of the season early in the first period.  Freshman Amanda Kessel picked up right where she left off after her exhibition game hat trick and scored the second goal of the period at the 15:28 mark. 

Kessel added another goal in the second period and nearly recorded her second hat trick in as many college games tallying seven shots along with four points. 

Sophomore Becky Kortum and junior Sarah Erickson both added goals as the Gophers coasted to a 5-0 victory.

All-American Noora Raty started in goal for the Gophers.  Raty, the starter last year, was in a battle for the starting spot last week during practice with Alyssa Grogan, the 2008-09 WCHA leader in goals against.  Raty saved 23 shots for her first shutout of the season.

The game featured a battle of sisters on opposing teams: Baylee Gillanders,  a freshman for Minnesota, and her older sister Kali, a junior for Clarkson, but neither recorded a point.  

In an effort to remain neutral toward her granddaughters, the Gillanders’ grandma wore a half Clarkson, half Minnesota jersey. 

Clarkson still is looking for their first ever win against Minnesota, and will wrap up the series against the Gophers tomorrow at 3 p.m.