Ann-Renee Desbiens notched her 19th shutout of the season, extending her NCAA record, as top-seeded Wisconsin cruised past fourth-seeded Minnesota-Duluth 5-0 in the WCHA playoff semifinals Saturday at Ridder Arena.

The Badgers (33-3-1) received second period goals from Courtney Burke, Annie Pankowski, Kim Drake and Sarah Nurse as they extended their unbeaten streak against the Bulldogs to 15 games.

Desbiens made 17 saves against the Bulldogs (15-21-1) after blanking Minnesota State, Mankato twice in the WCHA quarterfinals last weekend. The last goal she allowed was Kelly Pannek's overtime game winner Feb. 20, when the Gophers defeated Wisconsin 4-3.

Wisconsin, which won the WCHA playoff title last year, will face either the Gophers or North Dakota in Sunday's championship game, starting at 2 p.m.

JOE CHRISTENSEN