EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — St. Olaf defeated the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (2-1-0), 2–1, at Hobbs Ice Center. The Blugolds' lone goal came in the second period, but they couldn't capitalize further despite outshooting St. Olaf 30-14.
The first period between UW-Eau Claire and St. Olaf concluded scoreless despite several attempts on goal from both teams. The Blugolds applied early pressure, with
Maddie Hulter and
Keira Bolt having their shots blocked by the St. Olaf defense. Goaltender Baylyn Shankman of St. Olaf was active, making multiple saves on attempts from
Kenzie Keller and
Josie Grossman.
Tegan Swanson, guarding the net for UWEC, also contributed key saves, notably stopping a shot by Bella LaMere in the final minutes. Both teams remained defensively strong, preventing any scoring before the intermission.
UW-Eau Claire broke the deadlock early in the second period with
Harper Poehling's first goal of the season at 16:06, assisted by
Madisyn Krumholz. St. Olaf responded at 8:31 when Solvei Berg-Messerole equalized with a goal assisted by Emma Aune and Kellsey Kludt. Both teams traded penalties, with the Blugolds'
Kylie Wiltse and
Rachel Mirwald serving minor penalties, but St. Olaf was unable to capitalize on the subsequent power plays. The period ended with the teams tied 1–1, as a late hooking penalty on
Nora Carstensen left UW-Eau Claire shorthanded heading into the intermission.
St. Olaf secured a narrow victory against UWEC in the third period, as Nora McConnell scored the decisive goal just 32 seconds into the frame. The goal, assisted by Berg-Messerole and Mackinley Ronan, came during a power play following a hooking penalty on
Ashley Wagenbach. The Blugolds' attempts to equalize included multiple shots on goal, but St. Olaf's goaltender, Shankman, made key saves to preserve their 2–1 lead. Despite pulling the goalie for an extra attacker in the final minute, UW-Eau Claire was unable to find the back of the net, concluding a tense finish.
Harper Poehling scored one goal and contributed to the team's offensive efforts.
Madisyn Krumholz recorded an assist and maintained a 60 percent face-off win rate.
Nora Carstensen excelled in face-offs, winning five out of five for a perfect 100 percent success rate.
Tegan Swanson, as the goaltender, made 12 saves while allowing two goals in her appearance.
The Blugolds hold a 2-1-0 overall record following their recent game. St. Olaf stands at 1-2-0 overall after securing a win.
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