Hey there Badger Fans! 
 
Last weekend the Badgers fell short to the Minnesota Gophers. 
 
Both games were nothing short of hard-fought battles. Friday resulted in a 4-0 loss as the Badgers fell behind early in the first period. 
 
It was one of the first games in which we have experienced significant adversity. Coming from behind is a feat this team does not see often. It was a learning experience for all of us, and we certainly came back the next day with our minds more focused. 
 
Once again on Saturday, the Gophers captured an early lead. However, the Badgers were not going to back down, as we battled back to tie the game thanks to goals by Erika Sowchuk, Sarah Nurse, and a beautiful penalty shot snipe by Annie Pankowski. The intensity level skyrocketed as the game entered overtime. Posts were rung and scoring chances were of abundance for the Red and White. Unfortunately, the Gophers scored with less than a minute left in overtime to attain the victory. 
 
I asked Erika Sowchuk to reflect on the series. 
 
"Last weekend's games were tough battles and the compete level was the highest I have seen it all year, " she noted. "Despite the outcome, it was a learning opportunity for us." 
 
As for this week, the Badgers are brushing off the losses and shifting gears towards playoffs. The excitement and energies are high throughout the locker room and on the ice as we have been preparing to take on Minnesota State. 
 
"We know going into this weekend that it is always difficult to end a team's season," Sow stated. "I think we've kept that in the back of our minds this week at practice and really practiced with a purpose. We are all excited for playoffs to start!" 
 
Sarah Nurse shares similar thoughts on her expectations for the weekend. 
 
"It's such an exciting time of the season and it's going to be so awesome to start off the playoffs at the LaBahn," she said. "Like every other game, Mankato's going to give us a battle. It won't be easy but I'm looking forward to a weekend of great hockey. We're looking to come out of this weekend with a few wins and continue our season. "
 
I could not agree more with either of these girls! The Badgers are ready to start the postseason journey towards the goal we have been dreaming about all year: capturing the National Championship title. 
 
Games this weekend will be tonight at 7:07 pm, Saturday at 4:00 pm, and Sunday (if necessary) at 2:00 pm. We hope to see you there! Thank you for all of your support! 
 
On Wisconsin! 
 
      -Baylee