MINNEAPOLIS (Interstat) — The Northeastern Huskies scored three times in the first period and defeated the Minnesota Golden Gophers 4-2 in a women’s NCAA Division I hockey game Saturday at Mariucci Arena.

Northeastern’s Mia Langlois, Stryker Zablocki and Lisa Jönsson all scored in the opening frame to build a commanding lead before 2,266 fans. Jönsson added her second goal in the second period. Minnesota’s Abbey Murphy scored both of her team’s goals in the third period, but the comeback bid fell short.

Murphy, with two goals on eight shots, was the top performer for Minnesota. Northeastern improved to 29-8-1, while Minnesota fell to 26-12-1. The Huskies’ victory defied a pregame projection that favored the Golden Gophers.