RIVER FALLS, Wis. — UW-Eau Claire (16-6-0, 8-1-0) fell to UW-River Falls (20-1-0, 8-1-0), 5-3, at Hunt Arena. The Blugolds held a 2-0 lead after the first period, but the Falcons responded with four goals in the second period to secure the victory.
UW-Eau Claire took an early lead against UW-River Falls in the first period with
Madisyn Krumholz scoring at 16:04, assisted by
Josie Grossman and
Rachel Mirwald. The visiting team continued to apply pressure, successfully killing a penalty while maintaining the momentum.
Ava Johansson extended the lead to 2-0 at 00:25, with assists from
Kenzie Keller and
Harper Poehling. Despite several attempts, UW-River Falls was unable to find the back of the net, leaving them trailing as the period ended.
The second period saw a dynamic shift in momentum as UW-Eau Claire initially extended their lead to 3-0 with a goal from
Maddie Hulter at 12:49, assisted by
Adrienne Hansen and
Kylie Wiltse. However, UW-River Falls responded promptly with MaKenna Aure's unassisted goal at 12:01 to narrow the deficit. The home team continued their comeback with Aure scoring again on a power play, assisted by Sophia Hess and Megan Goodreau, making it a one-goal game at 4:21. Alexis Niccum tied the score at 2:35, and Megan Goodreau netted the game-winning goal on a power play at 1:24, assisted by Aure and Hess, to secure a 4-3 lead for UW-River Falls by the end of the period.
Kailey Niccum extended UW-River Falls' lead early in the third period with a goal at 12:56, assisted by Brooklyn Riley. Despite persistent offensive pressure, the Blugolds were unable to break through Jordan O'Kane's defense, with
Ava Bullert's attempt being blocked and
Keira Bolt's shot also deflected. As time wound down, the Falcons effectively maintained their defensive stance, and the Blugolds pulled their goalie with 1:34 remaining, but could not capitalize. The period concluded with UW-River Falls securing a 5-3 victory.
Krumholz scored a goal on three shots. Hulter found the net with her only shot of the game. Wiltse recorded an assist and registered seven blocked shots.
Kambelle Freije finished with 40 saves in net, despite allowing five goals.
UWEC holds a record of 16-6-0 overall and 8-1-0 in conference play. UW-River Falls stands at 20-1-0 overall and 8-1-0 in conference competition.
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