ST. CLOUD, Minn. (blugolds.com) — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's hockey team rallied from an early two-goal deficit to defeat St. Benedict 4-3 in overtime on Saturday. The Blugolds trailed 3-1 at the end of the first period, but surged back to win in the extra period on a winning goal from Sophie Rausch (Sr. - Fergus Falls, Minn.).

The Blugolds forced overtime in dramatic fashion. Rausch scored with just over three minutes left in regulation to force the extra period, and then scored the game winner after two minutes and 32 seconds of overtime.

The Bennies took the lead just over four minutes into the first period, but it only took the sixth-ranked Blugolds 20 seconds to respond. Jordyn McAlpine (Sr. - Stillwater, Minn./Mahtomedi) put a shot in the back of the net off assists from Ava Bullert (Fr. - North Oaks, Minn./Mounds View) and Hattie Verstegen (Jr. - Oshkosh, Wis./North). The Bennies re-established their lead with another goal a couple of minutes later, and went ahead 3-1 on a goal at the 15-minute mark.

UW-Eau Claire pulled a goal closer in the second period when Sadie Long (So. - Farmington, Minn.) struck at the 13:55 mark off assists by Sami Scherling (Sr. - Rogers, Minn.) and Rausch. Rausch's tying goal in the third period was assisted Emily Hart (Sr. - Red Wing, Minn.) and came on a power play.

Hallie Sheridan (Sr. - Fergus Falls, Minn.) and Scherling assisted Rausch's game winner in overtime. Stephanie Martin (Sr. - Yorktown, Vir./Tabb) made 28 saves in goal for the Blugolds.

The victory finished off a two-game series sweep of the Bennies and moved the Blugolds to 2-0 this season. UW-Eau Claire returns to action with its home opener on Tuesday, Nov. 1 against Concordia Wisconsin at Hobbs Ice Arena. The puck drops at 7 p.m.

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