The No. 4 Gophers women's hockey team got goals from seven players and took an 8-0 victory Friday over St. Cloud State at Ridder Arena. Amanda Kessel led the Gophers scoring charge with two goals and two assists, while linemate Sarah Erickson had a goal and two assists.

The Gophers (19-7-2, 14-7-2 WCHA) took a 2-0 first-period lead on unassisted goals by Erickson and Kessel. Minnesota then put the game away with a five-goal second period.

Both of the starting goalies left the game during the second period. Gophers goalie Noora Raty left after her team's fourth goal, while SCSU goalie Ashley Nixon was pulled after Kessel's second goal made it 6-0. Raty was replaced by Jenny Lura. She continued the shutout with 17 saves, including nine in the third period.

St. Cloud State fell to 0-27-1 overall, 0-22-1 in the WCHA.

Minnesota Challenge The Gophers women swimmers won titles in all five contested events Friday at the Minnesota Challenge at the University Aquatic Center.

Abbey Staats won the 50-yard freestyle in 23.66 seconds after helping the Gophers' 200 free relay to victory in a time of 1:35.24.

The Gophers went 1-2 in the 500 free with Marissa Davies winning in 4:55.08, followed by Lissa Tommerdahl at 4:57.90.

The Gophers also grabbed first and second in the 200 individual medley and the 50 free. Elizabeth Weitz won the 200 IM in 2:04.39, with Danielle James second in 2:05.85.

• Gophers senior All-Americas Michael Richards and Curt Carlson battling it out in the 50-yard freestyle was the highlight of the men's session. At 19.89 seconds, Richards edged Carlson, who finished in 21.32. The Gophers swept the top three in the 500 free as well: Sean Nescheim at 4:27.83; Drew Johnson, 4:30.86; and Mike Vernoia, 4:31.78.

Etc. • After dropping the doubles point, the Gophers men's tennis team stormed back to take four of six singles matches as they beat No. 28 Virginia Tech 4-3.