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MINNEAPOLIS - The No. 1 University of Minnesota (24-1-1, 18-1-1-0 WCHA) women's hockey team defeated St. Cloud State, 3-1, at Ridder Arena to extend its NCAA-best unbeaten streak to 12 games.Rachael Bona led the Gophers with a goal and an assist on Saturday.

Rachel Ramsey added two assists, and Minnesota outshot the Huskies (4-21-3, 3-17-2-1 WCHA) 47-18 on the night.

The Gophers jumped out to an early lead as Kate Schipper and Ramsey set up Bona's 15th goal of the season 32 seconds into the opening period. Minnesota put 17 shots on goal to St. Cloud State's five in the first period, but did not add to the lead before intermission. The Gophers attempted 35 total shots in the period, while the Huskies attempted nine.

Minnesota's second goal came from Meghan Lorence, assisted by Maryanne Menefee and Hannah Brandt, at the 6:44 mark in the second. It was Lorence's 12th of the season.

The Huskies made it 2-1 when Michelle Burke scored at 12:50, set up by Lauren Hespenheide. The Gophers had not allowed a goal since their Jan. 11 game against Ohio State, and sophomore goaltender Amanda Leveille's shutout streak came to an end at 219:31.

Milica McMillen brought the lead back to two with a long power-play goal at 18:07 of the second. Ramsey and Bona assisted on McMillen's eighth goal for each of their second points of the night.

The Gophers weathered three St. Cloud State power-plays in the first eight and a half minutes of the third period to hold onto the 3-1 lead.

Leveille made 17 saves for Minnesota, and Katie Fitzgerald made 44 stops for the Huskies.

The Gophers will next travel to North Dakota for games on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. Both contests will begin at 7 p.m. CT.

Gophersports.com

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