(MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. Feb. 12) – The McKendree University women's hockey team was swept by the University of Minnesota this weekend, falling 7-1 on Saturday night and 3-1 on Sunday afternoon.
 
The Bearcats fall to 10-15 overall, with just two regular season games left to play.
 
The first game of the weekend began at 6 p.m. on Saturday evening at Mariucci Arena in Minneapolis, Minn. The Golden Gophers struck first in the game just 6:30 seconds into the first period. The Bearcats responded with a goal from freshman forward Alyssa Albee (Brookfield, WI/Brookfield Central) with freshman forward Allison Sauvola (Eagle River, WI/Northland Pines) registering the assist. The Golden Gophers scored once more in the period to hold a 2-1 lead after the first period. The next two periods were all Minnesota, as they scored four more in the second period, and one in the third period to take a 7-1 victory.
 
The second game of the weekend began at 10 a.m. on Sunday morning at Mariucci Arena. The Golden Gophers struck first again in the contest, but held the Bearcats scoreless through two periods. After two periods McKendree was down 3-0, but freshman forward Lara Wentz (Bismark, ND) netted a goal for the Bearcats 8:04 into the third period. Freshman defenseman Connor Denton (Kenosha, WI/Christian Life) registered the lone assist on the goal. The Bearcats efforts would not be enough, however, with the team falling 3-1.
 
Freshman goalie Haylee Gannaway (Moreno Valley, CA/Rancho Verde) played both games for McKendree stopping 90 of 100 shots on goal on the weekend, for a save percentage of 0.900.
 
The Bearcats are back in action at home against the Ms. Conduct Chicago women's hockey team on Saturday, February 18 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, February 19 at 12 p.m.