EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (19-7-0) defeated the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (11-15-0) with a decisive 4-0 victory. The Blugolds dominated with 52 shots on goal and maintained a shutout with 16 saves.
The first period began with UW-Eau Claire gaining early control, winning the initial faceoff through
Josie Grossman. Despite multiple attempts, including a close call where Grossman hit the pipe at 9:42, the Blugolds struggled to capitalize on their offensive pressure. UW-Stevens Point tested
Kambelle Freije with several shots, particularly during two power play opportunities, but Freije held firm. With just seconds remaining,
Kenzie Keller scored for UW-Eau Claire, assisted by
Ava Johansson, securing a 1-0 lead by the end of the period.
The Blugolds extended their lead to 2-0 in the second period with a goal from
Madisyn Krumholz at 4:19, assisted by
Maddie Hulter and
Adrienne Hansen. The period featured strong defensive efforts, with
Kylie Wiltse and
Rachel Mirwald blocking shots from the Pointers' offense. UWEC's Freije and UW-Stevens Point's Emily Griege were active in net, with Griege making multiple saves to keep the score from widening further. Despite several power play opportunities for both teams, neither side capitalized, maintaining UWEC's two-goal advantage heading into the final period.
Johansson extended UWEC's lead with a goal at 11:08, assisted by Keller. The Blugolds maintained offensive pressure, consistently challenging the Pointers' defense and forcing several saves from their goaltender, Griege. Despite pulling their goalie for an extra skater, UW-Stevens Point could not convert, and
Nora Carstensen secured the outcome with an unassisted empty-net goal at 15:44. UW-Eau Claire closed the period with a 4-0 victory, effectively shutting down the visitors' attempts to break through.
Keller led UWEC with a goal and an assist, including the game-winning goal, while recording six shots. Johansson contributed a goal and an assist as well, with a +2 rating. Krumholz found the back of the net once on five shots. Goaltender Freije stopped all 16 shots she faced to secure the shutout.
The Blugolds will play game two of the semifinal series against the Pointers tomorrow, February 28th at 2:00 PM.
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