MOORHEAD, Minn. — UW-Eau Claire (1-0-0) secured a 3-1 victory over Concordia College, Moorhead (0-1-0) on Friday, with the game-winning goal scored in the first period.
UW-Eau Claire opened the first period with strong momentum, taking the lead at 5:57 when
Kenzie Keller scored the first goal of the game with assistance from
Jordan Hancock. They extended their advantage to 2-0 with an unassisted goal from
Gretta Pioske at 11:09, which would later stand as the game-winning goal. Concordia-M'head struggled to convert opportunities, including a power play following a tripping penalty on
Ava Johansson, but couldn't find the back of the net.
Alexa Backmann made multiple saves to keep the Cobbers scoreless, preserving the two-goal lead for the Blugolds by the end of the period.
UW-Eau Claire held a narrow lead over Concordia-M'head as the second period unfolded with a tense exchange. Early pressure from UW-Eau Claire saw
Adrienne Hansen take a shot within 13 seconds, but it was saved by Hailee Bailey. Concordia-M'head capitalized on a power play opportunity when Memphis Mertens scored at 9:35, assisted by Morgan Sauvageau and Taylyn Cope, leveling the score to 2-1. Though UW-Eau Claire's
Kenzie Keller hit the pipe shortly after, the visiting team could not extend their lead further in the period. The intense back-and-forth play continued without additional scoring, ending the period with the Blugolds leading 2-1.
Gretta Pioske extended UWEC's lead to 3-1 at 17:28 of the final period, scoring her second goal of the season with an assist from
Kenzie Keller. Despite Concordia-M'head's efforts, including a timeout at 3:51 and pulling their goalie for an extra attacker at 1:23, they could not find the back of the net. UWEC's
Alexa Backmann made several crucial saves in the closing minutes, ensuring the visitors maintained their two-goal advantage. The period ended with a 1-0 score in favor of the Blugolds, securing a 3-1 victory.
Gretta Pioske scored two goals, including the game-winner, and recorded a plus-minus of +3.
Kenzie Keller added a goal and an assist while finishing with a plus-minus of +1.
Jordan Hancock contributed an assist and maintained a perfect faceoff win percentage, winning her only face-off of the game.
Alexa Backmann made 16 saves, allowing just one goal in her appearance.
UWEC stands at 1-0-0 following their recent game. Concordia-M'head, meanwhile, holds a record of 0-1-0.
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