LA CROSSE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse claimed a decisive 3-0 victory over the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire on Saturday at Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex. The home team dominated the offensive play with 33 shots, while the Blugolds' goalkeeper made 11 saves. The home team scored once in the first half and added two more goals in the second half, maintaining a clean sheet throughout the match.
The first half began with UW-Eau Claire establishing an early presence as
Emma Donovan took a shot in the opening minutes.
Bella Jones, playing in goal for the Blugolds, was pivotal, making several key saves, including one against Aubree Caya and another from Megan McNeely, to keep the game within reach.
UW-La Crosse managed to break the deadlock in the 23rd minute with a goal by Katelyn Studebaker, assisted by Jillian Sawadski. Despite UWEC's efforts, including attempts from
Olivia Lukrafka Varassin and
Sabrina Pickart, they ended the half trailing 1-0.
The second half began with the Blugolds' defense under pressure, as Jones made several key saves, including shots from Catherine Arnold and Ella Opie. Despite defensive efforts, UW-La Crosse broke through with a goal by Caya in the 76th minute, assisted by Riley Veenendaal, extending their lead to 2-0.
UWEC responded with an attempt by
Bella Felegy, but their offense was unable to capitalize. The home team closed the half with another goal in the 89th minute by Sera Speltz, assisted by McNeely, securing a 3-0 victory for UW-La Crosse. The half ended with the Univeristy of Wisconsin-Eau Claire unable to overcome the deficit.
Jones made a significant impact in goal for UW-Eau Claire, recording 11 saves over 90 minutes of play.
Johanna Thompson, positioned as a forward, contributed with consistent pressure in the attacking third. Lukrafka Varassin attempted to break through the opposition's defense, taking one shot during the match. Donovan also added to the offensive efforts with a shot, aiming to convert opportunities into goals.
The Blugolds hold a record of 2-8-4 overall with a 1-1-1 mark in conference play. Wis.-La Crosse stands at 13-1-0 overall and 3-0-0 in conference play.
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