Minneapolis, Minn. ? Oct. 4, 2008 ? The Robert Morris University women's hockey team, led by third-year head coach Nate Handrahan, was unable to repeat its impressive win over No. 3 Minnesota, as it was defeated 7-1 on Saturday night at the Ridder Arena.

Things looked good for the Colonials, as junior forward Chelsea Walkland (Pittsford, N.Y. / Rochester Edge) put the first score on the board at 4:17 in the first period for her first goal of the season and eighth career goal. Senior captain Kristen Miles (London, Ontario / London Devillettes) and junior defenseman Mallory Giambra (Rochester, N.Y. / Rochester Edge) added the assist. Minnesota answered back four minutes later with a goal by Jen Schoullis, assisted by Melanie Gagnon and Monique Lamoureu. Less than a minute later Minnesota's Gigi Marvin gave the Gophers a 2-1 cushion with a short-handed unassisted goal.

Despite a valiant effort by the Colonial defense, Minnesota entered the second period and added to their two goal collection two minutes into play with a goal by Sarah Erickson, assisted by Jocelyne Lamoure. Play remained relatively calm until 14:31 when Gagnon found the back of the Colonial net during a power-play off an assist by Michelle Maunu and Brittany Francis bringing the score to 4-1 in favor of the Gophers.

Period three began with two back-to-back goals by Minnesota's Marvin and Brittany Francis at 4:12 and 4:18, respectively. Erickson scored her second goal of the game for the Gophers at 8:02 off an assist from Lamoure and Anne Schleper to give a final score of 7-1 during another power-play opportunity.

Robert Morris senior goalie Brianne McLaughlin (Sheffield Village, Ohio / Ohio Flames) put up 43 saves in the loss, while Minnesota goalies Jenny Lura and Alyssa Grogan earned 1 and 11 saves, respectively.

The Colonials return home to the Robert Morris Island Sports Center on Friday ? Saturday, Oct. 10-11 to take on new conference member Syracuse at 7:35 p.m.