EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (7-2-0) defeated the College of St. Scholastica (3-5-1), 3–1, with a balanced attack and a strong defensive effort. The Blugolds sealed the game with an empty-net goal and dominated faceoffs, winning 66% of them.
The first period began with UW-Eau Claire gaining initial possession through a faceoff win by
Lauren Ballinger. Despite a flurry of shots from the home team, including attempts from
Maddie Hulter and
Gretta Pioske, Makenzie Cole held steady in goal for the Saints.
Kambelle Freije, in goal for UWEC, also made multiple saves, denying St. Scholastica's Gabby Gamst and Victoria Nelson. A two-minute tripping penalty on
Jordan Hancock gave St. Scholastica a power play, but they were unable to convert as the period ended scoreless.
The Blugolds took the lead early in the second period with
Jana Lesch scoring at 18:46, assisted by Hulter and
Nora Carstensen. The home team maintained offensive pressure throughout the period, generating numerous shots, though many were blocked or saved by St. Scholastica's defense and goaltender Makenzie Cole. Despite the Saints' attempts to respond, including a few wide shots and blocked efforts, they were unable to equalize, and the period concluded with UW-Eau Claire holding a 1–0 advantage.
In the third period, UWEC maintained control, capitalizing on a power play by dominating possession. Hancock extended the lead to 2–0 at 7:11 with a goal assisted by Carstensen and
Ashley Wagenbach. St. Scholastica responded late in the period with a power-play goal by Lyndi Schubert at 1:57, narrowing the gap to 2–1. The Blugolds sealed the victory with an empty-net goal by Hulter at 0:34, concluding the game with a 3–1 win.
Hulter scored once and added an assist to finish with two points. Hancock contributed a game-winning goal while also taking four shots. Carstensen provided two assists and excelled in faceoffs, winning 10 out of 14 for a 71% success rate. Freije made 16 saves while allowing just one goal in her appearance.
UW-Eau Claire improved to 7-2-0 overall after securing a victory at home. St. Scholastica fell to 3-5-1 overall following the road defeat.
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