Kirsten Simms had two goals and one assist, and Ava McNaughton posted her fourth shutout of the season as second-ranked Wisconsin blanked fifth-ranked Minnesota 4-0 on Saturday to sweep their WCHA weekend series in Madison, Wis.

“A tough result today,” said Gophers coach Brad Frost, whose team fell to 24-7-1. “Credit Wisconsin. They played a really strong game, and we got away from our game in the second period. We turned too many pucks over, and they ended up in our net.”

Lacey Eden and Maddie Wheeler rounded out the Badgers’ scoring with third-period goals.

“It was a good weekend. I’m real proud,” Wisconsin coach Mark Johnson said. “They’re a good team. (Minnesota) came in very hot, and we were going to get tested, and we weathered it and came away with the win last night in overtime. Then a real solid effort today.”

Minnesota goalie Lucy Morgan stopped 27 of 31 shots and suffered her second loss of the season. The Badgers’ McNaughton stopped all 17 Gophers shots on goal.

“Ava didn’t get tested a ton, but she looked composed,” Johnson said. “She looked comfortable, and for a young freshman, she’s beaten them twice. It was a good, good weekend.”

Minnesota closes the regular season next weekend against Minnesota Duluth at Ridder Arena.

“We’re excited to get back home and honor our seniors with two really big games against Minnesota Duluth,” Frost said.

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