The Iowa State women’s hockey team opens the second half of its season Friday night against Minnesota-Duluth, looking to rebound from a lopsided series loss before the winter break.
The Cyclones were swept by the Bulldogs in December, losing 7-2 and 6-0, and will look to respond after more than a month away from game action.
Iowa State enters the matchup 4-9-1 after an uneven first half of the season. The Cyclones opened the year with four straight losses before earning their first win in a 4-1 victory over Iowa.
The Cyclones later dropped two games against Wisconsin-Eau Claire, one of the top teams in the division, before sweeping a two-game series against Nebraska. Iowa State then split a series with Lake Region State College before being swept by Minnesota-Duluth.
Senior captain Tessa Strand leads the Cyclones with 17 points in 12 games. Forwards Tori Lacomy and Ellie Volkers have also been key contributors, recording nine and eight goals, respectively.
Minnesota-Duluth has four wins this season, with half coming against Iowa State. Balanced scoring and strong goaltending powered the Bulldogs’ December sweep.
Brianna Buonincontro led Minnesota-Duluth with five points in the two games, while Anika Burke added four. In total, 13 of the Bulldogs’ 16 skaters recorded at least one point during the series.
Goaltending was also a deciding factor, as Minnesota-Duluth allowed just two goals across the two games.
To earn a split or sweep this weekend, Iowa State will need to limit scoring chances. Minnesota-Duluth has not won a game this season without scoring at least four goals.
Cyclones goaltender Allison Moore enters the weekend with an .877 save percentage, down from .904 last season. Her performance will be a key factor if Iowa State hopes to come away with a win.
Offensively, Iowa State faces a difficult challenge. Both Bulldogs goalies carry save percentages of .900 or higher, meaning production will be needed throughout the lineup.
Friday’s matchup will be Iowa State’s first game in more than a month, making an early start critical as the Cyclones look to shake off rust and remain competitive in the series.
The game will be played Friday night in Duluth, Minnesota.
