EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (14-5-0, 7-0-0) defeated the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (8-11-0, 2-4-0), 5-1, at home. The Blugolds dominated the faceoff circle, winning 66% of the draws, and registered a total of 52 shots on goal.
The first period began with UW-Eau Claire asserting early pressure, generating multiple shots on goal, all saved by Claire Swanson of UW-Stevens Point. The Blugolds broke through at 13:11, as
Jana Lesch scored with assists from
Nora Carstensen and
Lauren Ballinger. UW-Stevens Point responded with a power-play goal at 14:39 by Abby Skelly, assisted by Molly Pohlkamp and Riley Novak, leveling the score. With just 1:38 remaining in the period,
Josie Grossman netted an unassisted goal to give the Blugolds a 2–1 lead going into intermission.
In the second period, UWEC expanded their lead over the visiting team with two crucial goals.
Madisyn Krumholz scored at 11:45, assisted by
Maddie Hulter and
Kylie Wiltse, pushing the home team's lead to 3–1. Later, at 4:35, Wiltse found the net herself with an assist from
Rachel Mirwald, extending the margin to 4–1. Throughout the period, UW-Eau Claire's defense effectively killed off two penalties, preventing UW-Stevens Point from capitalizing on power play opportunities.
The third period saw the Blugolds maintain their lead over the opposition, with
Kenzie Keller's early penalty putting them on the defensive. Despite being shorthanded, netminder
Kambelle Freije made key saves, including stops on shots from Kendall Rykkeli and Natalie Ahern, to keep the visitors off the board.
Maddie Hulter extended the home team's advantage to 5–1 with a power-play goal at 14:14, assisted by Keller and Wiltse. The period closed without further scoring, securing a decisive victory for UW-Eau Claire.
Wiltse made a strong impact with a goal and two assists, finishing with a +3 rating. Grossman contributed the game-winning goal and posted a faceoff win rate of 81 percent. Hulter recorded a power-play goal and added an assist, leading the team with five shots on goal. Krumholz scored once and maintained a perfect faceoff percentage, winning all three draws she took.
UW-Eau Claire stands at 14-5-0 overall and 7-0-0 in conference play, maintaining an undefeated record in the league. UW-Stevens Point holds a record of 8-11-0 overall and 2-4-0 in conference action.
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