MINNEAPOLIS – The University of Minnesota Golden Gophers scored four times in the first period en route to an 8-1 victory over the UBC Thunderbirds Sunday afternoon at Ridder Arena.

The third-ranked team in NCAA Division I received points from 12 different players led by Grace Zumwinkle (1g-2a) and Catie Skaja (2g-1a) along with two points each from freshman Crystalyn Hengler (1g-1a), junior Katie Robinson (2a), and junior Sarah Potomak (2a).

The 'Birds' lone goal came from fourth-year forward Mathea Fischer early in the third period.

"We learned a lot today," said UBC head coach Graham Thomas. "We elevated our game and were pushed very hard by one of the best teams in the world. We're proud of our team and there are a lot of positive takeaways. We need to commit to playing at that intensity and speed all year in practices and games."



The Gophers took a 4-0 lead into the first intermission after scoring three goals over the final 3:06 of the period. Zumwinkle put Minnesota on the board with a power-play goal at the 6:15 mark of the opening frame, ripping a slapshot from the point off a feed from Olivia Knowles and Taylor Heise. The Maroon & Gold sat on a one-goal lead until redshirt freshman Amy Potomak buried an unassisted short-handed tally at the 17:54 mark. Skaja and redshirt senior Nicole Schammel then added goals in the final minute.

Minnesota extended their lead in the second period as senior Tianna Gunderson and Hengler found the back of the net. Gunderson scored on the power play at the 7:12 mark before Hengler scored an unassisted goal with 1:42 remaining in the period for a six-goal lead after two.

Fischer spoiled the Gophers' shutout at the 4:18 mark of the third period. Minnesota regained their six-goal lead midway through the final frame when Skaja scored her second of the game, netting a feed from Hengler and Zumwinkle on the power play, before junior Alex Woken scored the final goal of the game with 5:17 remaining.



Goaltenders Alex Gulstene (two saves in period one), Sydney Scobee (four saves in period two), and Emma May (six saves in period three) split time in net for the Gophers as Minnesota outshot UBC 33-13. Amelia Boughn made 25 saves on 33 shots faced for the Thunderbirds.

Minnesota was 3-for-4 on the power play while holding UBC scoreless on two opportunities.

"It was a great experience," added Thomas. "A silver lining was us going 2-for-2 in a shootout competition."

The 'Birds complete their three-game tour of Minnesota Monday evening when they face the NWHL's Minnesota Whitecaps at 5:00 p.m. PT.