Complete Box Score

MADISON, Wisc.- The Mercyhurst women's hockey team fell short, 3-1, at #1 Wisconsin Saturday night in an NCAA quarterfinal game. The Badgers scored the go-ahead goal with 8:42 remaining in the third period at the Kohl Center.
 
A slow start for Mercyhurst was followed by a back-and-forth affair that saw a number of swings in momentum. Kelley Steadman's goal late in the second frame evened the score at one, setting up a decisive twenty minutes.
 
Molly Byrne and Steadman each had shots swatted away by Wisconsin goalie Alex Rigsby early in the third period. The teams went from end to end, with both sides getting good looks at the net. Hurst goalie Hillary Pattenden stood tall and kept the Lakers in it.
 
The middle of the period was marked by penalties, as the teams traded man-advantages. After two Hurst power play shots were stopped, the Lakers could not control the puck as it squirted to the blue line, allowing a Badger breakaway. Carolyne Prevost hit Hillary Knight, who cashed in the opportunity, giving Wisconsin a 2-1 edge. It was the first shorthanded goal allowed by Mercyhurst this season.
 
The Lakers did not give up, however, bouncing back with more work for Rigsby. Christine Bestland hit the post with five minutes left and Steadman could not finish a 2-on-1 chance. A Hurst penalty damaged the visitors' chances, but a Badger foul gave the underdogs hope.
 
With a man advantage, the Lakers pulled Pattenden to gain an extra attacker. Brittany Haverstock made a steal and found Brianna Decker, who scored into the empty net with 1:15 to play.
 
The second period was a tense dramatic twenty minutes as both teams took more chances. Hurst settled in and had several strong opportunities, as they peppered Rigsby on an early power play and then continued the pressure as the teams went back to full strength. Freshman Hailey Browne had a strong chance in the crease.
 
Seconds later, Brittany Ammerman and Kristine Grenier were called for offsetting roughing penalties, allowing for 4-on-4 action. The Lakers thrived, as Byrne attempted four shots, including a look from straight on that went missing.
 
The Badgers went on the offensive from there, hounding Pattenden and testing the Laker defense. They were up to the challenge and the stop set up a great opportunity for Gina Buquet, who had a point-blank try batted away by Rigsby.
 
Mercyhurst had another power play chance late in the frame, but three shots got the Lakers nothing before Wisconsin turned the tide and set up shop in the offensive zone. Shelby Bram blocked two shots and Pattenden turned away two other tries as the period wound down.
 
In the final minute, Caroline Luczak blocked a Badger shot and freed up Steadman on the right side. The senior skated in against two defenders and let a wrister go from just beyond the faceoff circle. The shot tied up Rigsby and sent the Hurst bench into celebration.
 
The Lakers controlled the early action before Wisconsin used a power play to get some momentum. The Badgers tested Pattenden several times, but Hurst's defense held. A few minutes later, a turnover in their own zone spelled doom for the visitors. Decker made the interception and cruised in on the left side before dishing across the crease to Prevost, who deposited the puck into the net with 8:12 to go.
 
After the Badgers continued their onslaught, Hurst picked themselves back up and went on the offensive. Pam Zgoda's slapshot got past Rigsby, but hit the crossbar. The Lakers had a few other chances as the frame drew to a close, including a stellar attempt by Steadman.

Pattenden made 38 saves in her final contest as the Lakers' goalie, while Rigsby recorded 28 saves for the hosts.
 
Wisconsin advanced to the Frozen Four in Duluth, Minnesota, next weekend. It will look for a second straight NCAA title. Hurst ends its season with a 23-8-3 mark as the Lakers made their record eighth consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament.