EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire fell to Calvin College 17-6 in non-conference action on Friday evening at The Sonnentag. Calvin's 9-for-9 power play performance contributed significantly to their victory, while the Blugolds managed one power-play goal during the contest.
The first quarter began with Calvin gaining the opening draw control and subsequently capitalizing on a man-up opportunity with a goal by Megan Gibbs at 11:54. UW-Eau Claire responded quickly, with
Addison Moudry scoring a goal assisted by
Reegan Werner at 11:39 to level the score.
Ellie Fisher then gave the Blugolds the lead at 9:15, assisted by
Brianna Scanlon. Calvin's Delaney Johnson tied the game again at 7:58 with an unassisted goal. Calvin pulled ahead with Jessica Eenigenberg's goal from a free position shot at 2:36, ending the quarter with a narrow 3-2 lead.
Calvin's Jacey Smith opened the second quarter with a man-up goal at 14:34, assisted by Morgan Bethard. UWEC responded swiftly with
Victoria Shea converting a free position shot at 13:09, leveling the score.
Grace Schmidt's efforts were pivotal for UW-Eau Claire, scoring twice in the quarter, with her second goal at 3:46 assisted by Werner, again tying the game. Despite Audrey Booher's goal for Calvin at 1:53 to regain the lead, the quarter concluded with Calvin holding a narrow 6-5 advantage.
Calvin dominated the third quarter with a series of successful plays, starting with a goal by Delaney Johnson at 14:04, assisted by Megan Gibbs. Calvin capitalized on a man-up situation as Audrey Booher scored at 11:22, followed by Morgan Bethard's man-up goal at 10:49, assisted by Johnson. Jacey Smith extended the lead with another man-up goal at 6:53, assisted by Johnson. Calvin continued to press, with Lillian Morey scoring from a free position at 3:25. Bethard rounded out the scoring with a goal at 00:40. The Blugolds were unable to convert their opportunities, with several shots going wide or being saved, allowing Calvin to cap off a strong quarter of play.
The fourth quarter started with
Victoria Shea scoring for UW-Eau Claire at 14:35, narrowing Calvin's lead. However, Calvin responded quickly with Jacey Smith's free-position goal at 13:16. Calvin extended their advantage with a man-up goal by Megan Gibbs and later another by Ainsley Gothard at 9:33. Calvin's offensive push continued as Audrey Booher and Courtney Putnam each added goals, sealing the quarter at 17-6. Despite multiple attempts from UW-Eau Claire, including a late shot by
Paige Kiani, the hosts couldn't catch up before the final horn.
Shea scored two goals on three shots, including a power-play goal, to lead the performance for UW-Eau Claire. Schmidt also contributed significantly, netting two goals from four shots, with three of those on target. Werner facilitated the offense with two assists, while Scanlon added one assist to the team's effort.
UWEC holds an overall record of 0-1. Calvin has an overall record of 1-0.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at
Blugolds.com or on our app,
Blugold Sports, and on social media on
Twitter,
Instagram, and
Facebook.