UND Freshman forward Kayla Gardner looks to put the puck in the net Saturday at Ralph Engelstad Arena against Wisconsin. Photo by Keisuke Yoshimura/The Dakota Student.

After skating to a 0-0 tie Friday against rival Wisconsin, North Dakota couldn’t pull through for a victory as it fell to the Badgers 3-1 Saturday at Ralph Engelstad Arena.

UND held control of play Friday — outscoring the Badgers 34-21 — but with numerous chances for both teams, the score remained 0-0 after regulation and overtime. A shootout between the teams awarded Wisconsin the extra point with its last shooter putting the puck in the net.

Despite the tie, UND remained confident in its play.

“I talked to the kids afterward and obviously a little disappointed but you’ve got to be happy with our effort, got to be happy with our energy and execution,” UND coach Brian Idalski said.

The Green and White couldn’t capitalize on their chances, but the team took positives out of the frustrating outcome.

“I think overall we played a better game; but in the end it, comes up to who can actually get it in the net, and we couldn’t today so it’s not good enough,” UND forward Michelle Karvinen said. “We just have to bring those for the next game and just be a little more hungry on the net tomorrow.”

UND was unable to seal a win Saturday night as special teams held control of the game.

North Dakota went down 1-0 on a shorthanded goal by Wisconsin at 6:43 of the second period, and was able to fight back and secure an even score on a power play goal by Karvinen.

The third period was all Wisconsin as the Badgers went on to score two more power play goals.

Looking forward

After this series, UND now has elements to focus and work on before it faces its next opponent.

“We have to get better,” Idalski said, “That’s a tough loss —and especially on home ice. But you know what, we are a good hockey club and just have to come back — have a good week of practice, a couple more games and be a little bit more disciplined.”

Karvinen said discipline is just one of the things the team will focus on.

“I think we made it a little harder for ourselves than we should have,” Karvinen said. “We didn’t really keep it to our game system, and it ended up costing us the game. I feel like, overall, we have a lot of positive things, but we definitely also have some things we need to work on.

“I think we are moving in the right direction and it’s going to be nice to have a week now to work hard on the things we did wrong this weekend.”

North Dakota will face Team Russia in an exhibition series this weekend at Ralph Engelstad Arena. The games will be Friday and Saturday afternoon at 2:07 p.m.

Mariah Holland is a staff writer for The Dakota Student. She can be reached at [email protected].