Gophers women's hockey team beats Bemidji State for 12th time in row, reaches 700 program wins

BEMIDJI, MINN. – This game was much closer than the series opener. But, in the end, the No. 3 Gophers women's hockey team still beat Bemidji State for the 12th straight time, 3-2, and became the first Division I program with 700 victories.

Freshman Peyton Hemp put Minnesota ahead 3-1 at 7 minutes, 14 seconds of the second period. And Lauren Bench, who transferred from Bemidji State before last season, made 25 saves to ensure the Gophers' win — their six straight.

Abigail Boreen and Ella Huber had first-period goals for Minnesota (7-3, 5-3 WCHA), Boreen at 49 seconds and Huber at 16:40 on a power play. Taylor Heise had two assists for Minnesota for the second straight game.

The Gophers won 5-2 on Friday when they had 57 shots on goal against Beavers sophomore Hannah Hogenson.

Bemidji State got goals Saturday from Claire Vekich on a power-play midway through the first and from Graysen Myers at 14:07 of the third. Hogenson made 33 saves.

This latest win puts the Gophers' record at 700-152-57 in the program's 25th season. A big percentage of those victories, 12% to be exact, have been over Bemidji State.

The Gophers hold a 86-9-7 advantage in their in-state rivalry.