Hamilton, N.Y. — The Gophers women's hockey team won its 50th consecutive game Friday.
But it was a struggle, a game in doubt until the closing minutes.
Minnesota, the two-time defending NCAA champion, had to rally to edge Colgate 3-1 in its nonconference season opener.
Rachael Bona's goal at 2 minutes, 15 seconds of the third period gave the Gophers a 2-1 lead. The junior forward's second goal, shorthanded and unassisted with 1:51 left to play, finally let Minnesota coach Brad Frost relax a bit.
The Raiders took a 1-0 lead at 1:59 of the opening period when Liz Trautz, a freshman forward from Edina, scored 13 seconds into a power play. Bona was in the penalty box for tripping.
The Gophers tied the score at 1-1 when sophomore forward Hannah Brandt, who had 33 goals last season, scored at 15:21 of the first period with Bona getting one of the assists.
Minnesota limited Colgate to 1-for-8 on the power play, killing off two 5-on-3 chances in the second period when the Raiders had a 13-7 shot advantage.
Colgate's goal came on its first shot, but Gophers goalie Amanda Leveille stopped the next 21.
