Minnesota beats North Dakota 5-1

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Emily West scored on Minnesota's first shot on goal and the Golden Gophers beat North Dakota 5-1 to advance Saturday to the NCAA Frozen Four women's hockey tournament.

The Golden Gophers (32-5-2) scored three times in the second period to turn a close game into another rout. They have outscored the Fighting Sioux 11-1 in their previous two games, including a 6-0 win in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association semifinals.

Minnesota scored even-strength, short-handed and on the power play in the second period.

West and Sarah Davis scored to make it 2-0 early in the second period. Amandan Kessel scored short-handed and Sarah Erickson scored on the power play.

Minnesota goalie Noora Raty made 28 saves. North Dakota (22-12-3) goalie Stephanie Ney was pulled after giving up a goal on the first shot she faced. Jorid Dagfinrud made 23 saves for UND.

Michelle Karvinen scored North Dakota's only goal.

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