SASKATOON, Sask. — The University of Saskatchewan Huskies fell to the visiting Manitoba Bisons for the second straight night, dropping a 4–1 decision Saturday evening (Jan. 10) at Merlis Belsher Place.

Manitoba's weekend sweep of Saskatchewan improves the Bisons to 6-8-4 on the season, moving the Herd within two points of the Huskies for third place in the Canada West East Division standings. With the loss, Saskatchewan's record falls to 8-8-2.

After jumping out to a first-period lead in Friday night's matchup, the Bisons once again seized early momentum on Saturday. Just over six minutes into the opening frame, Julia Bird buried her own rebound for her seventh goal of the season, extending her point streak to seven games and giving Manitoba an early advantage. Later in the period, Bird was sent to the box for roughing, giving the Huskies' power-play unit its first opportunity of the game. However, Manitoba's penalty kill held firm, allowing the Bisons to carry a 1–0 lead into the first intermission.

In the second period, the Bisons continued their offensive pressure, outshooting the Huskies 17–9 in the frame. An early power-play opportunity led to Manitoba's second goal after Bird found Bisons captain Dana Goertzen at the side of the net for a tap-in, snapping Saskatchewan's streak of 14 consecutive penalty kills. With just over five minutes remaining in the period, the Bisons extended their lead again when Aimee Patrick broke in alone and scored her sixth goal of the season.

The Huskies finally broke through in the opening minutes of the third period when a shot from Jen Cadieux deflected off Bronwyn Boucher and past Bisons goaltender Emily Shippam, cutting the deficit to two. Shortly after, Saskatchewan earned its fourth power-play opportunity of the night, but once again Manitoba's penalty kill stood tall, denying the Huskies a chance to pull within one. Saskatchewan continued to push offensively while goaltender Clara Juca made several clutch saves to keep her team within striking distance. Juca finished the night with 35 saves, but her strong performance was not enough, as the Bisons added an empty-net goal to secure the 4–1 victory.

The Huskies will look to get back on track next weekend as they welcome the Mount Royal Cougars (14-4-1) to Merlis Belsher Place for a two-game series beginning Friday, Jan. 16.