ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (3-2) defeated Augustana College (IL) (6-4) with a commanding 22–12 victory on Friday. The Blugolds capitalized on their offensive opportunities, scoring 14 unassisted goals to secure the win.
The first quarter began with UW-Eau Claire's
Victoria Shea securing the draw control and quickly finding the back of the net at 12:03, equalizing Augustana's early score by Madison Langewisch. Augustana promptly responded with a goal from Becca Lacina, but UWEC took control with consecutive goals.
Jess Stiller and
Paige Kiani contributed to a scoring run, with Kiani finding the net twice, including an assisted goal by
Grace Buesgens at 2:08. Despite Jackie McNair's effort for Augustana at 1:03, the Blugolds ended the quarter ahead, 6–4, with
Reegan Werner also adding to the visitor's tally.
Kenzie Phillips opened the scoring for UWEC at 13:32, extending its lead. Augustana responded with a goal from Lacina, assisted by McNair, narrowing the gap to 7–5 with 5:40 remaining.
Grace Schmidt then found the net for the Blugolds at 3:26 to push the lead to three goals. The quarter ended with UW-Eau Claire leading 8–5, as
Brianna Scanlon secured a key ground ball in the final minute to maintain possession.
UW-Eau Claire opened the third quarter with a strong offensive surge, scoring three consecutive goals within the first two minutes. Stiller led the charge with two goals, assisted by Werner and
Addison Moudry, while Werner added a goal of her own. Augustana responded with Langewisch scoring twice, both assisted by Lacina, including one during a player-up situation. Despite Augustana's efforts, UWEC maintained its lead, with
Ellie Fisher and Phillips each contributing goals before the end of the quarter. The quarter ended with the Blugolds leading 16–9.
The Blugolds secured a decisive victory over Augustana with a final quarter scoring surge. Kiani opened the scoring with a goal at 12:53, assisted by Buesgens, and added another unassisted goal with 42 seconds left. Despite a player-up goal by McNair for Augustana at 9:06, UWEC maintained its momentum. Buesgens and Scanlon each contributed goals, with Buesgens assisting Scanlon at 2:36. Phillips also found the net at 1:10, assisted by Kiani. The visitors outscored the home team 6–3 in the final quarter to secure a 22–12 win.
Phillips recorded three goals on five shots, showcasing accuracy with all attempts on target. Werner contributed significantly with three goals and two assists, including the game-winning goal. Kiani led the scoring effort, tallying six goals and adding one assist on eight shots. Buesgens facilitated the attack with four assists while also scoring once on her lone shot attempt.
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