Minnesota State sophomore Megan Jedinak picked a good time for her first goal of the season.
Her goal off a rebound at 10:57 of the third period gave Minnesota State (3-8-5, 3-6-3 WCHA) a 2-2 tie at North Dakota (6-10-2, 4-9-1 WCHA).
“It felt really good – it’s about time,” Jedinak said.
UND led 1-0 after a Sarah Connelly goal late in the first period and 2-1 after captain Marissa Hangsleben buried a one-timer right in front of the net at 11:08 of the second period, but the Sioux could not hold either lead.
The fine play of MSU sophomore goalie Laura Brennan was what kept the score close enough for Jedinak’s goal to make a difference. She was in good position and stood strong in making 27 saves, even in the face of a UND power play in overtime.
“I knew we were going to come out either with a win or a tie, that’s just the mindset I have,” Brennan said.
Brennan stopped all ten shots in the third period, and all three in overtime to preserve the tie.
“She was outstanding, she made some big saves and did what we needed her to do,” said Minnesota State coach Jeff Vizenor
Mankato senior Kearstin Solberg also scored her first goal of the season 43 seconds into the second period to tie the game 1-1. The Mavericks nearly scored again within the next minute but the net was knocked off its moorings.
MSU went a perfect 4-for-4 on the penalty kill thanks to its aggressive forechecking and hard backchecking. Jedinak’s goal was the lone Maverick power play score in six opportunities.
“They committed themselves to working hard and trying to make things happen. I’m proud of them,” Vizenor said of his team’s defensive effort.
North Dakota was strong defensively as well. They did not allow any odd-man rushes and kept everything to the outside.
“I thought the defense had their best weekend of the year,” said UND coach Shantel Rivard. “Everyone played solid back there.”
Junior defenseman Jessica Kovacevich and Devon Fingland were tenacious on defense, blocking passes and clearing in front of the net. They both play a very aggressive style of defense that allows them to get up in the play offensively as well.
UND goalie Amber Hasbargen did her job of blocking the puck as well. She finished with 22 saves in the tie. Rivard thought it was her best game of the year.
Next weekend the Sioux go on the road to visit Ohio State, who they split a series with in Grand Forks on Oct 29-30. Mankato goes home to host Wisconsin in the team’s first meeting this year.
