EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (10-4-0) fell to Augsburg (8-2-1), 3–2, in a closely contested game on Saturday. The Blugolds were unable to overcome a power-play goal by Augsburg in the third period which sent the game to overtime. Shortly after the start of overtime, the Auggies scored to seal the deal.
The game began with Augsburg winning the opening faceoff against UW-Eau Claire. Throughout the first period, UWEC maintained offensive pressure, with multiple shots on goal from players like
Jordan Hancock and
Maddie Hulter, but none found the back of the net. Kayla Simonson stood firm in goal for Augsburg, registering numerous saves despite a flurry of missed shots by the Blugolds.
Kambelle Freije, guarding the net for UW-Eau Claire, also kept Augsburg scoreless, making crucial saves, including shots from Nora Stepan and Emma Abrahamson. The period concluded with both teams locked in a scoreless draw.
Ava Johansson put the Blugolds ahead at 9:27 of the second period with a goal assisted by
Nora Carstensen and
Madisyn Krumholz. Augsburg responded late in the period when Ella Olson found the back of the net at 17:46, assisted by Nora Stepan and Payton Behr, tying the score at 1-1. Freije held strong in goal for UW-Eau Claire, making several saves to keep the game tight, while Simonson provided multiple stops for Augsburg, ensuring a level playing field heading into the final period.
Kylie Wiltse put the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire ahead early in the third period with an unassisted goal at 14:54, increasing the home team's lead to 2–1. Augsburg responded with a power-play equalizer from Aunna Schulte, assisted by Tenley Stewart and Emma Brandenburger, leveling the score at 2–2 at 6:32. The third concluded with the game knotted at 2, sending the game to an overtime period.
The overtime period between the Blugolds and Augsburg commenced with a faceoff between Ruby Eskin and
Lauren Ballinger, which was won by UWEC. Tension mounted as both teams vied for control, but it was Augsburg's Nora Stepan who netted the game-winning goal unassisted at 4:19, securing a 3–2 victory for the visitors. Despite a late timeout by UW-Eau Claire, Augsburg held on to claim the win.
Kylie Wiltse scored one goal and blocked three shots, contributing significantly to the team's efforts.
Ava Johansson also found the back of the net, finishing with a goal and a plus-minus of 2.
Madisyn Krumholz added an assist and maintained a perfect 100 percent faceoff win rate, winning all three of her faceoffs.
Lauren Ballinger recorded an assist and excelled in the faceoff circle with a 60 percent win rate, securing 12 faceoffs out of 20.
UW-Eau Claire holds a 10-4-0 overall record. Augsburg maintains an 8-2-1 overall record.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at
Blugolds.com or on our app,
Blugold Sports, and on social media on
Twitter,
Instagram, and
Facebook.
