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On paper, it looks like the defense is going to have to carry Wisconsin's women's hockey team this season. Senior captain and goalie Alex Rigbsy got the Badgers off to a good start in Friday night's season opener in a 3-0 shutout win against the Minnesota State Mavericks.
The Badgers have no clear offensive leader this season, but it was good to see goals come from three different Badgers, including Brittany Ammerman returning from injury and the first collegiate goal from freshman Sydney McKibbon.
It was Rigsby's 84th career win and 24th career shutout, both good for second on Wisconsin's all-time list. She finished with 25 saves, and the win moves her within seven of tying Jessie Vetter for the all-time Badger record.
Karley Sylvester scored the Badgers' other goal, with an assist from Madison Packer. Ammerman scored when she slotted home a rebound on a shot from Blayre Turnbull.
McKibbon's first goal as a Badger came on an empty-netter with less than a minute left in the game. Overall, Wisconsin out-shot Minnesota State, 28-25.
The Badgers are back at it Saturday at 3 p.m. at LaBahn Arena. Student tickets are $2 (or free with The Red Card). Regular admission is $5.