Wisconsin Badgers
5-2-0, 1-2-0
Minnesota State University, Mankato
2-3-0, 0-3-0
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota St. | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Wisconsin | 1 | 0 | 4 | 5 |
No. 2 Badgers defeat the Mavericks, 5-1
October 16, 2026 | Women's Hockey
Wisconsin earns first WCHA win of the season
MADISON, WIs. — The No. 2 Wisconsin women's hockey team (5-2-0, 1-2-0 WCHA) defeated the Minnesota State Mankato Mavericks (2-3-0, 0-3-0 WCHA), 5-1, at LaBahn Arena on Friday night.
Five skaters scored to collect the Badgers' first WCHA win.
Charlotte Pieckenhagen opened up UW's scoring tab after receiving a pass from Nela Lopušanová with 6:20 remaining in the first.
To open the second period of play, the Mavericks tied things up on their power play, making it 1-1. The remainder of the period remained scoreless for both teams.
Returning to the ice after her time at Canada's National Women's Team Training Camp, Ava Murphy gave UW the lead just over a minute into the third. Murphy's goal was assisted by Finley McCarthy and Emma Venusio.
During a 5-on-3 Wisconsin power play, alternate captain Laney Potter found the back of the net off an assist from Lopušanová, making it 3-1.
Cassie Hall continued the hot-streak for the Badgers during the final seconds of the power-play. Potter and Lopušanová earned the assist on Hall's goal.
With five minutes remaining in the game, Lopušanová got the puck from Hall to give UW a 5-1 win. This was the freshman's fourth and final point of the night, from one goal and three assists.
Notes of the Game:
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With Friday's win, Wisconsin now leads the all-time series against Minnesota State, 117-3-3.
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The Badgers dominated in the offensive zone, outshooting the Mavericks, 50-18
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Thanks to a goal in the third period, Cassie Hall's goal streak extends to seven games. The senior forward entered the series leading the NCAA in goals with seven.
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Tonight's win over Minnesota State marked UW's first WCHA victory of the season and 519th of all time.
From the Rink
Head Coach Mark Johnson
On Cassie Hall's performance:
"I think part of it is playing with more confidence in who she is and what she wants to do this season. She had a strong summer, got an opportunity to play with Team USA and do a lot of good things there. Being confident in your own skin and being assured of yourself instead of maybe, you know, hesitating or being not quite sure. She's just more aggressive in areas and skating really well and creating those scoring chances."
Senior defender Ava Murphy
On playing/rooming with Laura Stacey at Canada's hockey camp:
"Well, I was actually roommates with Laura Stacey so that was kind of insane because I've watched her my entire life growing up and she's such an incredible player... As a younger kid watching those girls and them being my idols so just getting to be on their team and play against them, it was super special."
On developing herself at Canada National Team Camp this week:
"Definitely more confidence, I think when you're playing against top players and with them, the speed of the game and then coming here gives me a lot of confidence."
Senior forward Cassie Hall
On the first goal and linemate Charlotte Pieckenhagen:
"I mean perfect timing, I think just having her come out of the box and then getting the puck down and it was a rebound goal... so to have those players in front of the net, especially Charlotte, she has the size and the strength so she can body everyone in front of the net and just put away rebounds."
Up Next: Wisconsin will face the Mavericks again tomorrow, Oct. 17, at 2 p.m. CT. Fans can watch the game on B1G+ or on FOX 9+.
