It was a night of zeros.  Friday, in the final game of the regular season for both teams at Waupun, the University School co-op girls hockey team and the Fond du Lac co-op team tied 0-0 in overtime.

Although nothing changed on the scoreboard during the evening, there was nothing wrong with the action on the ice.  The goaltending at each end sparkled like stars on a cold, clear night.  The Warbirds sophomore goalie Jade Van Buren turned aside 38 shots by USM, while sophomore Heidi Golembiewski stopped all 20 shots that Fond du Lac fired at her.

Both sets of skaters also played good hockey as each team prepared for the upcoming state tournament playoffs.  Throughout the night each team had good chances to score as the forechecking at both ends helped each team get the puck and get shots on the goalies. At the same time, strong defensive play at each end kept the rebounds from becoming added trouble for the goaltenders. The Wildcats had several breakaways during the game, including some in the second period by freshman Rose Revolinski and seniors Abby Berman and Megan Bailey, plus one in overtime by senior Sally James.  Unfortunately for USM, the attempts produced zero results as Van Buren stopped each one.  Golembiewski also stopped a breakaway and several point-blank shots to earn the shutout.

Scoreless for three periods, the game went into overtime.  USM took a penalty with 2:51 left in the overtime period, but good penalty killing limited the Warbirds’ chances.

As a result of the tie, Fond du Lac is now 10-9-5.  The Warbirds play at Arrowhead in the state tournament regional game on Thursday.  USM ended its regular season with a 15-7-2 record.  The Wildcats begin the state tournament playoffs against Appleton at 5:30 p.m. on Friday.  It will be the first of a high school hockey doubleheader that evening at USM.  Following the game, the USM boys team also plays a state tournament playoff game.