Nela Lopusanova Becomes Just Second NCAA Rookie Ever To Score Five Or More Goals In A Game

Nela Lopušanová became just the second rookie in NCAA women's hockey history to score five or more goals in a game as she put up five goals and an assist for Wisconsin in a 7-2 win over St. Cloud State.

"I was really in the right place at the right time," Lopušanová said. "Our line was moving the puck very well and I think it just worked well today. The girls helped me out a lot.” 

Lopušanová's five-goal performance was the first time a rookie had hit at least five goals in a game in nearly 25 years. The only other player to score five goals as an NCAA women's hockey rookie was former Badgers forward Katie Guay, who scored six goals for Brown in 2002.

Linemate Cassie Hall, and veteran Finlay McCarthy also scored for the Badgers, who got 28 saves from netminder Ava McNaughton in the win. 

Lopušanová scored a natural hat trick in the opening period of the game. She also assisted on Cassie Hall's first period goal. 

Through 10 games this season, Lopušanová sits tied for the NCAA lead in goals (10) and points (21) with linemate Cassie Hall. Adrianna Milani (Minnesota) also has 10 goals this season.

Lopušanová was WCHA Rookie of the Week once in October. 

Wisconsin has next week off. Current Badgers Rosalie Tremblay (Canada), and Adéla Šapovalivová (Czechia) will represent their nations at the World Championships from November 6 to 16. The University of Wisconsin returns to action November 14 and 15 against St. Thomas.