Baylee's Blog: Border Battle time

Happy Border Battle Eve Badgers Fans!!

It's the moment we've all been waiting for: another two-game series in the biggest Midwestern rivalry in college hockey.

However, before I elaborate on that subject, let's recap last weekend's games.

The Badgers earned two victories against No. 2 Minnesota Duluth. In Saturday's game the Badgers struggled to put the puck in the back of the net, yet kept the shots coming in surplus amounts, outshooting the Bulldogs and generating lots of chances. Nonetheless, senior superstar Sarah Nurse rose to the challenge, sniping late in the third period to put the Badgers ahead. Duluth quickly fired back, tying the game.

Then came one of the longest shootouts we've had to face in our Badger careers thus far. Twelve total rounds, three Badger goals. Annie Pankowski and Abby Roque dangled Bulldog goalie Maddie Rooney in the first two rounds. The Bulldogs matched that, scoring two goals as well.

Ten more Badger players followed, none could find success. We saved the best for last, though. Freshman Mekenzie Steffen was the hero of the game, rocketing a shot past the goalie, winning the shootout for the Badgers.

"I was honestly in shock when Coach tapped me on the shoulder to go out there," Mek recalled. "I'm not a forward so I don't have any certain moves I do or anything, so I figured I'd just shoot and it worked!"

Spoken like a true defenseman, Mek!

Sunday's game presented less of a goal challenge for the Cardinal and White, as the Badgers netted multiple goals, defeating the Bulldogs 8-0.

A snipe from Abby Roque, a bury by Emily Clark, two beautiful goals by Annie Pankowski, a dirty backhander by Maddie Rolfes, and a trifecta of goals from myself helped the Badgers take the game by force, leading us to our second WCHA regular season championship as well.

Senior goaltender Ann-Renee Desbiens stood on her head to receive her 50th career shutout, making 15 saves to earn her NCAA-leading 12th shutout of the season. The elated Ann told uwbadgers.com that she was "saving" such an achievement for her special senior day.

"I thought we worked really hard and built off of the game Saturday, and came out really strong on Sunday," Steffen said. "We played a complete 60 minutes. I thought everyone on the team contributed and it was a nice way to celebrate the seniors and give them a win on senior day."

Such success against the #2 team in the country resulted in a Badger sweep of this week's WCHA honors. Ann-Renee earned WCHA Defensive Player of the Week, Abby Roque received WCHA Rookie of the Week for the SECOND consecutive week, and I was fortunate enough to be named WCHA Offensive Player of the Week.

None of this could have been possible without such an incredible team. We truly have a special group of girls, and I am excited to see where the rest of the season will take us.

But we're not done yet.

Today the Badgers are heading up to Minneapolis to take on the Minnesota Gophers in two-game series Saturday and Sunday. It's the famous intense rivalry once again, adding to the excitement and energy in the locker room and in practices leading up to this weekend.

I asked last week's shootout hero Mekenzie on what her expectations are for the Border Battle.

"This weekend we need to continue off of what we did last Sunday," she said. "We have to battle hard, work hard, and come out ready to go right when the puck drops."

Couldn't have said it better myself Mek!

The Badgers play Saturday and Sunday at 3:00 p.m. We hope to see you there! Both games are on the radio in Madison and Sunday's game is on BTN! Once again, thank you, fans, for all of your unwavering support. We appreciate it greatly!

On Wisconsin!

-Baylee

University of Wisconsin Athletics

Baylee's Blog: Border Battle time

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Players Mentioned

Emily Clark

Sarah Nurse

Annie Pankowski

Maddie Rolfes

Abby Roque

Mekenzie Steffen

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