Just 50 seconds into overtime, Olivia Knowles received a pass from Sophie Skarzynski and cemented the sweep for the Gophers.
No. 6 Minnesota (13-4-1, 8-3-1 WCHA) defeated Lindenwood (2-9-1, 2-4-0 CHA) 4-3 in overtime after Lindenwood tied the game with 13:39 remaining in the third period. Knowles scored two goals, including her overtime game-winner. Sydney Baldwin and Cara Piazza both scored and Skarzynski had another three-assist game as well.
“They showed great resiliency tonight; [I’m] really happy with the sweep,” said head coach Brad Frost. “It was a great weekend, in particular tonight for Olivia Knowles. Just proud of the opportunity she had to get those two goals.”
The score stayed 3-2 until overtime where Knowles buried the puck in the net for her fifth goal of the season. Knowles had three goals over the weekend. Alex Gulstene got the start on Sunday and made 15 saves. The Gophers are now 10-0 on the road.
The two captains scored in the first period to get the Gophers out to a quick lead. Baldwin scored her fourth goal of the season and Piazza netted her sixth goal of the year. In the second period, the Lions answered with goals from Taylor Girard and Cierra Paisley. Knowles answered with her fourth goal of the season with 7:45 to go in the frame.
“Getting back to conference play will be a great challenge for us, but we are looking forward to it,” Frost said.
Two goals from Alex Woken and 20 saves from Sidney Peters gave the Gophers a 3-1 victory over Lindenwood in the first game of the series on Saturday afternoon. Skarzynski continued her strong play by assisting on three of the Gophers’ goals. Knowles also added a goal in a game where the Gophers outshot the Lions 45-21.
“Our team really battled and got some real nice goaltending from Sid Peters,” Frost said. “Rolling with four defensemen is difficult, but all four defensemen played extremely hard and well.”
Woken has 14 points on the year, including six goals. Her freshman season was cut short by a hip injury, but now in her sophomore season, she is becoming one of the Gophers go-to players. Skarzynski is now tied for the team lead in points after a six assist weekend.
The Lions got on the board first when Hannah Alt scored with 3:12 into the second period. Then, Woken scored back-to-back goals to take the lead. Piazza, along with Skarzynski picked up the assists on the first goal, and Baldwin and Skarzynski helped on the second Woken goal. Knowles scored her third goal of the year just 2:38 into the 3rd period.
