MINNEAPOLIS — Dani Cameranesi scored the winning goal late in the second period to nudge No. 3 Minnesota over Minnesota State by a 2-1 score.
The Gophers (15-1-0, 11-1-0-0 WCHA) were able to pin MSU in its own zone for more than a shift, unable to change, and the end result was Cameranesi and defenseman Milica McMillen banging away down low and getting a puck past goaltender Brianna Quade.
“Coaches were saying we were being a little too individual at times and trying to step up individually and do everything ourselves, so I think a big part coming out of this weekend is knowing we need to work as a team every weekend,” Cameranesi said.
A day after getting drubbed by 10 goals, Minnesota State (2-15-1, 0-14-0-0 WCHA) took Minnesota right down to the wire.
“I thought we gave a good account of ourselves,” MSU coach John Harrington said. “After the game yesterday that got away from us really early, we came back with some resolve today. We knew we were a better team than that. I’m proud of the way they performed today.”
While the final shots on goal, where the Minnesota had a 31-16 advantage, were similar to the day before, nothing else was.
“They came out really hard and battled like we were expecting, but I think things just weren’t going our way,” Cameranesi said. “Pucks were bouncing over our sticks and everything, and I don’t think we played with as much heart and passion as we could have or should have.”
Cara Piazza scored on a quick shot after receiving a pass from Kelly Pannek 11 minutes into the game, but Hannah Davidson tied it for the Mavericks on a second-period power play, assisted by Savannah Quandt and Anna-Maria Fiegert.
While MSU converted on one of three power-play chances, it shut down the nation’s top unit.
“We kept our high forward a little more lined up on that shooter,” Harrington said. “It was important for us to get in that shot lane and be courageous when they were taking shots.”
After both goals by the Gophers, the Mavericks dug in with increased resolve.
“I thought we played a little bit harder on pucks today,” Harrington said. “We wanted to battle for them a little bit more. We didn’t go over there and kind of apologize for showing up.”
Sidney Peters got her fourth win of the season in goal in four starts.
The Gophers may have been peeking ahead to an upcoming showdown in Madison with the top-ranked Badgers.
“I think it’s just recouping and getting everything together for next weekend against Wisconsin and fixing all the little things,” Cameranesi said.
Minnesota State concludes the 2015 portion of its schedule and is off until a Jan. 3 date with Lindenwood.
“We have a young team, but they’ve developed a lot, and today was a big confidence builder for them,” Harrington said.
