Wisconsin opened the weekend with 87 shots on goal in their first two games, but only managed to squeak out a 3-2 win and 3-3 tie. On Sunday they continued their shot dominance in a 39 shot, 6-2 win over South Dakota. Wisconsin is 15-4-1, on the season.

The effects of a long trek to Sioux Falls may have been at play as the Selects found themselves down 2-0 heading into the third period of their opening game with South Dakota. Wisconsin came out strong in the final period and found the net at the 15:17 mark. Addy Buesgen got a step on the defenseman coming down the right side, drove the net and tucked a shot inside the post to get the Selects on the board. Less than three minutes later Addy Milota would corral a loose puck just inside the right dot and fire a wrist shot to tie the game at 2-2. With just under four minutes remaining, Reese Duncan, attacking down the left side lasered a shot over the glove of Sydney Fornwald to give Wisconsin its first lead of the game. Fifty seconds later Brynlee Sabers one-timed a perfect backdoor feed to tie the game. Selects finished with a 39 to 22 shots advantage.

With the injury to goalie Makenna Hutchinson, Hayward teammate Greta Woelber has joined the Selects. Woelber and Sydney Magnuson split the goaltending duties combining for 19 saves in game one.

Despite throwing everything except the kitchen sink at North Dakota, including 48 shots on goal, Wisconsin found themselves in a 2-2 tie late in the third period. Defenseman Rhylee Buesgen emerged the hero when she snuck a bad angle shot into the top corner with just twenty-eight seconds remaining. Trailing 1-0 in the second period, Selects winger Addison Gruhlke tied the game from the right dot with her fifth goal in the last six games. Reese Sheehan and Abby Dhein assisted on the goal. Later in the period, down 2-1, and shorthanded, Zowie Hunter knocked down a North Dakota pass in the high slot and quickly tied the game with a wrist shot under the crossbar. Wisconsin needed all 19 third period shots to squeak out the win. Magnuson and Woelber combined for 14 saves.

Six different players would score on Sunday as Wisconsin rallied from a 2-1 deficit to win going away over South Dakota, 6-2. Goal scorers included Reese Sheehan, Julia Purintun, Hannah Wilson, Ashley Slupe along with Addy Milota and Zowie Hunter who each scored their team leading thirteenth goal of the season. Hunter also added a pair of assists. Wisconsin outshot South Dakota 39-18, with Magnuson and Woelber again splitting the net duties.

“It has been a really fun fall season getting to know each player and watching the girls get to know one another better,” said head coach Emily Bauer. “I’ve enjoyed watching each player grow their confidence and ability as well. We have grown as a team and continue to play better hockey each weekend. “

With a pair of games against the Chicago Bruins in Green Bay this weekend the Selects will conclude the before schedule of their games. The WIAA season begins on Monday, November 6th.