EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (13-5-1, 8-1-0) defeated Beloit (4-14-1, 1-8-0), 3–2, on Saturday, with two power-play goals leading the scoring at home. The Blugolds dominated in faceoffs, winning 70% of the draws.
The first period between UW-Eau Claire and Beloit concluded scoreless despite continuous offensive pressure from the Blugolds. Andrew Yocum, in goal for Beloit, faced numerous attempts from the Blugold offensive attack. UWEC failed to capitalize on a power play following a hitting from behind penalty on Nik Johnson at 16:08. Notably,
Leo Bacallao's shot hit the pipe with just six seconds remaining, keeping the score tied at 0-0 heading into the first intermission.
UW-Eau Claire struck first in the second period with a power-play goal from
Easton Inglis at 10:36, assisted by
Trey Gnetz and
Trenten Heyde. The lead was short-lived as Beloit responded with a power-play goal of their own. Max Von Klinggraeff found the back of the net at 3:15, assisted by Ben Stewart and Joe Weber, to level the score. Both teams managed to keep the pressure on, but the period concluded with the score tied at 1–1.
Beloit took the lead early in the third period with a power-play goal by Von Klinggraeff at 12:50, assisted by Weber and Hunter Nelson. The Blugolds responded when Inglis tied the game at 5:27, following assists from
Nolan Grier and Gnetz. The decisive moment came at 2:41 when Grier scored on the power play, assisted by Bacallao and
Max Dronen, to secure a 3-2 victory. Despite a late push from Beloit and pulling their goalie for an extra attacker, UW-Eau Claire held on for the win.
Grier scored one goal and added an assist, with his goal coming on the power play and serving as the game-winner. Inglis found the net twice, including a power-play goal, and won 19 of 28 faceoffs for a 67% success rate. Gnetz delivered two assists and contributed to the offensive efforts with two shots on goal.
Max Gutjahr made nine saves while allowing two goals in net.
The Blugolds improved to 13-5-1 overall and 8-1-0 in conference play after their victory. Beloit fell to 4-14-1 overall and 1-8-0 in conference competition.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at
Blugolds.com or on our app,
Blugold Sports, and on social media on
Twitter,
Instagram, and
Facebook.
