WINNIPEG – Led by Jordyn Zacharias' two goals and backed by a 20-save shutout from rookie goaltender Lauren Taraschuk, the #6 University of Manitoba Bisons beat the University of Regina Cougars 4-0 on Friday, Nov. 10 at the Wayne Fleming Arena.

Zacharias' tally 27 seconds into the first period proved to be the eventual game winner. Zacharias pounced on an errant pass and slipped the puck five hole on Cougar goalie Morgan Baker.

Manitoba got off to a quick start again in the second period with Zacharias roofing it over Baker's shoulder after taking a feed from Megan Neduzak.  Zacharias now has five goals in her last four games.

"She loves to score goals, in the right spots, she understands the game, she understands where to be on the right side of the puck to be able to get herself opportunities," said Bison head coach Jon Rempel after the game. 

Regina pushed back to cut into the lead a few minutes later, and got a few glorious chances. Jordan Kulbida thought she had one on a 2-on-1 but Taraschuk slid across and got the pad down. 

Kylee Kupper was the next to fall victim to Taraschuk's strong pad when she was stopped from point blank. Manitoba made Regina rue those missed opportunities, as Lauryn Keen added to Manitoba's lead with three minutes left in the middle frame.

Regina thought they had their first goal in the third period on the powerplay off an Emma Waldenberger wraparound attempt. The Regina bench was convinced they broke Taraschuk's goose egg, but the referees deemed they had blown the whistle before the puck crossed the line. 

With five minutes remaining in the game, Sheridan Oswald was the benefactor of a tipped pass and ended up on a short handed breakaway. Oswald went forehand-backhand and the puck tipped off Baker's pad, fluttering over the goal line to give Manitoba a 4-0 lead.

Taraschuk now has back-to-back shoutouts for Manitoba, and the rookie goalie is sporting a glistening 0.92 save percentage. 

"I mean it's been tough coming in as a rookie, and not really expecting to play much," Taraschuk said. "But really getting the opportunity and giving it all I have is really good to come out with another win."

Three Stars:
First star: Jordyn Zacharias (MB)
Second star: Lauren Taraschuk (MB)
Third star: Lauryn Keen (MB)