Two early first period goals lifted the No. 9 ranked University of Saskatchewan Huskies to a 2-0 shutout over the visiting Mount Royal University Cougars Saturday night in Saskatoon's Rutherford Rink.
Both Saskatchewan goals were scored within the first four minutes of the game with Carlee Hrenkiw opening the scoring just 1:26 into the game and Kandace Cook adding the second goal at 3:35. The Huskies scored both goals on the first two shots taken in the game.
With the win, the Huskies improve to 11-3-2 to close the first half of the season. Mount Royal drops to 2-11-3.
Hrenkiw was able to get a stick on a rebound let out by Cougars netminder Jess Ross. Her backhand slid into the net. Cook added the second goal on a power play with a shot from the slot that slid by Ross five-hole.
The win is Saskatchewan netminder Cassidy Hendricks' third shutout in four games. She made 18 stops in the win for the Huskies. It is her fourth of the season and 10th in her three-year career.
Ross made 18 saves in the loss for the Cougars.
Both teams enter the Canada West-wide December break. The Huskies resume conference action January 9-10 on the road against the Calgary Dinos, while Mount Royal also returns on the road against the UBC Thunderbirds.