NORTHFIELD, Minn. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (3-1-0) secured a 3–2 victory over St. Olaf College (1-3-0) with an empty-net goal sealing the game. The Blugolds maintained pressure with 32 shots on goal and limited the Oles to 26 shots.
The first period began with the Blugolds overcoming an early penalty for a lineup violation, which gave St. Olaf a power play that they could not convert. UW-Eau Claire opened the scoring at 5:42 when
Madisyn Krumholz found the back of the net with an assist from
Kylie Wiltse, marking Krumholz's first goal of the season. Despite multiple offensive attempts by the Oles, including a series of shots that were saved by
Kambelle Freije, the period ended with UW-Eau Claire leading 1–0. Hannah Fritz made several key saves for the Oles, keeping the game within reach.
Jana Lesch extended UWEC's lead to 2-0 at 9:55 of the second period with an even-strength goal, assisted by
Josie Grossman and
McKenna Sandberg. The visiting team maintained their offensive pressure, generating multiple shots on goal, but St. Olaf's Fritz made several key saves to keep her team in the game. St. Olaf responded at 18:10 when Jocelyn Orr scored, assisted by Emma Heath, narrowing the deficit to 2-1. Despite late efforts from both sides, the period ended with the Blugolds holding a one-goal advantage.
The third period saw UWEC maintain pressure with multiple shots, including attempts from
Ashley Wagenbach and
Maddie Hulter, though St. Olaf's defense held firm. The Blugolds faced penalty challenges but successfully killed off power plays, including a critical one started at 10:09 after
Ava Bullert's hooking. With just over a minute remaining, Lesch scored an unassisted empty-net goal to extend the lead to 3-1. St. Olaf responded quickly with a goal by Kellsey Kludt at even strength, assisted by Mackinley Ronan and Julia Larson, narrowing the gap to 3-2. Despite a final push by St. Olaf, UW-Eau Claire secured the victory.
Lesch scored two goals, including the game-winner, to lead the team. Krumholz contributed with a goal, adding to the offensive effort. Wiltse provided an assist and blocked two shots, showcasing her two-way play. Freije made 24 saves, anchoring the defense.
UW-Eau Claire holds an overall record of 3-1-0. St. Olaf stands at 1-3-0 overall.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at
Blugolds.com or on our app,
Blugold Sports, and on social media on
Twitter,
Instagram, and
Facebook.
