WINONA, Minn. — UW-Eau Claire (11-5-0) fell to Saint Mary's University of Minnesota (6-5-0), 2–1, on Friday night. Eau Claire's lone goal came in the third period, but it was not enough to overcome the early two-goal deficit.
The first period began with a faceoff won by Saint Mary's, setting the pace for the early exchanges. The Blugolds generated multiple shots on goal, but Saint Mary's defense, led by goalie Magali Fillion, kept the visitors scoreless. At 15:16, Maggie Albers opened the scoring for Saint Mary's with an even-strength goal assisted by Reese Heitzman. Just over two minutes later, Sophia Paduano doubled the lead, netting the eventual game-winning goal with assistance from Celia Midtbo. The period concluded with Saint Mary's holding a 2–0 advantage.
UW-Eau Claire and Saint Mary's both had scoring opportunities in the second period, but neither team managed to find the back of the net. The Blugolds'
Adrienne Hansen incurred an early penalty for cross-checking at 19:35, leading to a Saint Mary's power play, which was successfully killed off without any damage.
Kambelle Freije was active in goal, making key saves on shots by Taverie Sherner and Alexa March, maintaining the scoreless period. The period concluded with a UW-Eau Claire power-play opportunity after Teagan Phillips of Saint Mary's was penalized for high-sticking with just 10 seconds remaining.
In the third period, UWEC got their offense going with a goal from
Nora Carstensen at 9:00, assisted by
Ava Johansson and
Josie Grossman, during even strength. Despite generating numerous scoring chances, including a power play following a holding penalty on Destinee Hoffmann, the Blugolds could not find a way to tie up the game. The Saint Mary's defense, anchored by goaltender Magali Fillion, withstood consistent pressure and multiple shots, maintaining their position. Ultimately, the period concluded without further scoring, concluding with a Cardinals victory 2-1.
Carstensen scored one goal and won three faceoffs in the contest. Freije made 13 saves while allowing two goals.
Madisyn Krumholz recorded a 100 percent faceoff win rate, going 1-for-1, and added one blocked shot.
Jess Eykyn contributed defensively with one blocked shot.
UW-Eau Claire holds an overall record of 11-5-0. Saint Mary's stands at 6-5-0 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.
