The U.S. national womenâÄôs hockey team got off to a strong start in its quest for Olympic gold Sunday, defeating China 12-1 in its first preliminary game in Vancouver. Former Gophers standout and U.S. team captain Natalie Darwitz had a goal and two assists, while fellow Gophers alumna Gigi Marvin tallied two assists. Edina native and Minnesota-Duluth alumna Jenny Potter had a hat trick and two assists to lead the team. PotterâÄôs five points were a U.S. Olympic womenâÄôs hockey single-game record . Twin sisters Jocelyne and Monique Lamoureux, who transferred from the University of Minnesota to the University of North Dakota last summer, combined for five points. Team USA dominated the Chinese in every category, outshooting them 61-7. Meanwhile, Gophers freshman goalie Noora Räty led Team Finland past the Russian Federation 5-1. Räty, who is currently leading the nation in save percentage and goals-against average , only needed to make 13 saves against the Russians. Räty is competing in her second Olympics. She started in goal as a 16-year-old in the 2006 games in Torino, Italy. Team USA will face Russia on Tuesday, when Räty and Team Finland will take on China. The United States and Finland will play each other Thursday to wrap up the preliminary round.