POTSDAM, N.Y. -- The UND women's hockey team took a big step toward the NCAA tournament on Friday afternoon.
Even though it's still three months until the bracket will be picked, UND's 2-1 win over No. 6 Clarkson figures to pay big dividends at that time.
Freshman Lisa Marvin, of Warroad, Minn., scored the first goal of her career with 6:23 left in the third period to lift No. 4 UND to the nonconference victory over the Golden Knights.
UND will go for a series sweep at 2 p.m. today in another vital nonconference game.
UND, playing without star forward Michelle Karvinen, used a strong, 26-save performance by sophomore goaltender Shelby Amsley-Benzie and goals by Josefine Jakobsen and Marvin to earn the victory.
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Clarkson goalie Erica Howe entered the weekend with a shutout streak of 196 minutes, 39 seconds, but that streak was snapped at 215:46 thanks to a first-period goal by Jakobsen. The junior forward made a few moves in the offensive zone to create space, then fired a shot through the five-hole on Howe. It was the first goal she allowed since Nov. 15 against Providence.
Clarkson's Shelby Nisbet evened it with a goal at 13:07 of the second period, but Marvin's goal was the difference.
Marvin tipped home a shot from Susanna Tapani at 13:37 for the winner.
UND's penalty kill was key, holding the Golden Knights scoreless on five chances. UND went 0-for-1 with the extra man.
UND and Clarkson split in Grand Forks last season.
