EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — On Saturday, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (18-7-0, 10-2-0) was defeated by the University of Wisconsin-River Falls (24-1-0, 11-1-0) with a final score of 6-3. Despite a strong defensive effort with 35 saves, the Blugolds could not overcome UW-River Falls' offense, which scored three goals in the third period.
The first period between UWEC and UW-River Falls started with a tight faceoff battle, with
Kenzie Keller securing the initial possession for the home team. Both teams displayed strong defensive efforts, as evidenced by multiple blocked shots from players like
Sam Moehle,
Nora Carstensen, and
Kylie Wiltse for the Blugolds. UW-River Falls applied pressure, recording numerous attempts from players such as Megan Goodreau and Brooklyn Riley, but
Kambelle Freije remained solid in goal, turning away several shots. Despite a power play opportunity for UWEC following a tripping penalty on Madison Lavergne, the period ended scoreless, with both goalies, Freije and Jordan O'Kane, keeping the nets secure.
The second period saw UW-River Falls extend its lead with three goals. Katherine Bell opened the scoring at 12:51 with an even-strength goal, assisted by Kailey Niccum and Riley, marking Bell's eighth goal of the season. Sophia Hess then capitalized on a power play opportunity at 8:56 to double the lead, with assists from Riley and Goodreau. Kylie Jones added to the tally at 7:05 with her eighth goal of the season, assisted by Addie Seleski. UW-Eau Claire responded with a goal from
Jana Lesch at 2:48, assisted by Wiltse and
Rachel Mirwald.
Maddie Hulter narrowed the gap further with a goal at 0:43, assisted by
Adrienne Hansen and
Harper Poehling, ending the period with a score of 3-2 in favor of UW-River Falls.
UW-River Falls secured a commanding 6–3 victory over the Blugolds in the third period. MaKenna Aure opened the scoring with a power-play goal at 19:22, assisted by Hess and Goodreau. Shortly after, Goodreau extended the lead with an even-strength goal at 17:38, marking her 30th of the season. UWEC responded with a goal from Carstensen at 12:00, assisted by
Josie Grossman. However, Madison Kadrlik sealed the win for UW-River Falls with an unassisted empty-net goal at 1:06.
Hulter scored one goal and recorded a +2 rating. Carstensen added to the offense with a goal on two shots. Wiltse contributed defensively with nine blocked shots and provided an assist.
Lauren Ballinger excelled in the faceoff circle, winning 10 of 15 draws for a 66 percent success rate.
The Blugolds will be the #2 see in the WIAC playoffs, and will host UW-Stevens Point at 2:00 PM on Friday, February 27th and Saturday February 28th.
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