Wolverines Open Pool Play with 2-1 Upset of No. 3 Minot State
Kenna Borso made 37 saves in the net for the Wolverines.
DEARBORN, Mich. — The No. 6-seeded University of Michigan-Dearborn women's ice hockey team opened Pool C play at the ACHA National Tournament with a 2-1 victory over No. 3-seeded Minot State, backed by a standout performance in net from Kenna Borso.
Michigan-Dearborn struck early in the opening period, taking a 1-0 lead at the 3:33 mark. Pallavi Hari found the back of the net for her first goal of the game, finishing off a play set up by Cadence Pero and Grace Taylor.
The Wolverines extended their lead in the second period on a power play opportunity. Zoe Zaifman capitalized at 10:04, converting a feed from Taylor Spence to give Michigan-Dearborn a 2-0 advantage.
Minot State pushed back in the third period, cutting the deficit to one just 3:34 into the frame, but the Wolverines' defense held firm the rest of the way.
Borso was the difference-maker in net, turning aside 37 of 38 shots faced, including several key saves in the third period as Minot State outshot Michigan-Dearborn 14-6 in the final frame.
Michigan-Dearborn finished 1-for-4 on the power play while holding Minot State scoreless on two opportunities. Despite being outshot 38-30 overall, the Wolverines capitalized on key chances and maintained composure defensively to secure the win.
The victory gives Michigan-Dearborn an early edge in Pool C play as the Wolverines continue their run at the ACHA National Tournament.
