EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's hockey team fell to St. Mary's University (Minn.) 3-2 on Tuesday night in its season opener at Hobbs Ice Arena. The eighth-ranked Blugolds surged in the third period, but it wasn't quite enough to overturn a deficit.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- St. Mary's, which received votes in the latest USCHO Division III national poll, scored once in each period. The Blugolds scored twice in the third, but it wasn't enough to pull off the comeback.
- The Cardinals opened the scoring in the closing minute of the first period, striking on a power play. They added a second goal midway through the second period and led 2-0 entering the final period.
- Ashley Wagenbach (Fr. - Lakeville, Minn./Lakeville North) pulled a goal back for the Blugolds, slotting home a shot for her first career goal early in the third period. It came off assists from Ava Bullert (Jr. - North Oaks, Minn./Mounds View) and Lauren Ballinger (Fr. - Shoreview, Minn./Mounds View).
- St. Mary's made it a 3-1 lead with a power play goal with just under three minutes left in regulation. Bullert scored the Blugolds' second goal with one minute left. Wagenbach and Kiera Bolt (Jr. - Boise, Idaho) assisted.
- Alexa Backmann (So. - Rogers, Minn.) made 20 saves in net for UW-Eau Claire. The Blugolds killed three penalties and held a 27-23 advantage in shots.
UP NEXT
The Blugolds return to the ice on Friday, November 8, with a road game at St. Olaf. Puck drop is scheduled for 6 p.m. in Northfield, Minnesota.
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