MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Ridder Arena) -- Mak Langei scored late in the first period to give Bemidji State University a lead over top-ranked University of Minnesota to open the second period, but the goal only woke a sleeping giant as the Gophers Gophers scored seven unanswered to take game one of the series, 7-1, at Ridder Arena.

Sarah Potomak led the way for the Gophers netting a pair of goals to go with two assists, Alex Woken and Taylor Heise each poured in a goal and an assist, while Madeline Wethington recorded a game-high two assists.

Specials teams played a significant role in Minnesota's success.  The Gophers converted 4-of-5 power-play opportunities, while their penalty-kill was a flawless 4-for-4.  In addition, Potomak's first tally of the night came shorthanded.

Potomak tied the score, 1-1, just over three minutes into the second period. She followed that with an even-strength marker at the 5:53 mark--a goal that gave Minnesota the lead for good. Before the period ended, the Gophers would add goals from Amy Potomak, Emily Oden and Heise to ride a 5-1 lead into the final 20 minutes of play.

Bemidji State hung tough for the first 10 minutes of the third period, but a pair of late penalties would cost it. Woken scored at the 11:54 mark and Kippin Keller would bring the scoring to an end with a power-play goal at the 18:09 mark.

In all, Minnesota outshot the BSU 36-16.

BSU’s goaltending duties were split between, the starter Lauren Bench and Lexi Baker. Bench was tagged with the loss after she collected 19 saves and allowed five goals in 40 minutes of play. In relief, Baker played the final 20 minutes, allowed two goals and posted 10 saves. 

Bemidji State, now 3-7-1 overall and 2-5-0-0 in WCHA play, will go head-to-head with No. 1 Minnesota tomorrow.  The opening face-off of the series finale is set for 4:07 p.m. at Ridder Arena.

For more information on the Bemidji State men’s hockey program, follow the Beavers on Twitter (@BSUBeavers or @BSUMHockey), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers) or sign up for the TXTUpdates from BSUBeavers.com text-messaging system through the "Multimedia" pull down menu on the main page of BSUBeavers.com.

Nestled in Northern Minnesota’s wooded region and located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, Bemidji State University sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs with NCAA Division I men’s and women’s hockey membership in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).

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