The No. 4 University of Minnesota Duluth women's hockey team struck first Sunday, but couldn't hold off the No. 2 University of Wisconsin in a 3-1 Western Collegiate Hockey Association setback Sunday afternoon at LaBahn Arena in Madison, Wisc.  The Badgers marked the third-straight top-4 opponent the Bulldogs have played to start the season -- the toughest schedule in the NCAA so far.


UMD sophomore forward Ashton Bell jumped on a Wisconsin communication error just 56 seconds into action to give the Bulldogs an early 1-0 lead.  Wisconsin answered at the 7:12 mark on a goal from Natalie Buchbinder, and the two squads took a 1-1 game into the first intermission.

The Badgers took advantage of a screened Maddie Rooney to take the lead at 7:12 of the second period, and stretched their advantage just 1:47 into the third period.

Wisconsin outshot UMD in every period and 43-12 in the skate.  For a second-consecutive day, Rooney made 40 saves for the Bulldogs and the Bulldogs held UW scoreless in two power play attempts.  The Badgers -- who improve to 6-0 on the season -- had 11 saves from Kristen Campbell in net.

UMD (2-3-1, 0-3-1-1) will return to AMSOIL Arena to play its first unranked opponent of the season next Friday and Saturday in BemIdiji State University.  Game-time for both afternoons is set for 3:07 p.m.