EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (5-2, 3-0) secured a 12–10 victory over the College of Saint Benedict (2-5, 0-3) at Simpson Field on Wednesday. The Blugolds' three player-up goals contributed significantly to their win.
The first quarter began with a goal by
Reegan Werner at 13:13, assisted by
Ellie Fisher, putting UW-Eau Claire on the board. They extended their lead with a goal by Fisher at 11:35, despite being a player down. Saint Benedict responded with three consecutive goals, including a player-up goal by Emma Theisen at 11:14 and a score by Rayna Malmberg at 10:17, giving the Bennies a brief 3–2 lead. UW-Eau Claire rallied with four straight goals, highlighted by a player-up goal from
Jess Stiller at 7:19 and a subsequent goal by
Paige Kiani at 6:53, assisted by
Brianna Scanlon. Ava Mosley scored for Saint Benedict with 1:10 remaining, concluding the quarter with the Blugolds leading 6–4.
Victoria Shea scored for UWEC at 11:37 in the second quarter with an assist from
Grace Schmidt, extending their lead. Saint Benedict responded with a goal by Tess Cavanaugh, assisted by Rayna Malmberg, at 7:36. The Blugolds faced defensive pressure, resulting in turnovers, but managed to keep the momentum with a draw control by Shea. Despite a strong effort from Saint Benedict, including a goal by Sami Hackley assisted by Lizzie Schrubbe at 2:44, the Blugolds maintained a slim lead, ending the quarter ahead 7–6.
UW-Eau Claire extended their lead in the third quarter, capitalizing on multiple scoring opportunities.
Jess Stiller scored twice, first at 13:35 with an assist from
Grace Schmidt and later at 9:35 during a player-up situation, assisted by
Reegan Werner.
Emma Tammi added a goal at 4:34, and
Grace Schmidt scored with 2:18 remaining, assisted by
Victoria Shea. Saint Benedict managed to find the net once, with Rayna Malmberg scoring at 1:27. The quarter ended with UWEC leading 11–7.
The Blugolds maintained their lead through the fourth quarter, despite a strong effort from Saint Benedict.
Victoria Shea opened the scoring at 7:27, extending the home team's advantage. Saint Benedict responded with two goals from Ava Mosley, narrowing the gap. In the final moments, Lilly Fandel Thompson added another goal for the visitors with a free position shot at 00:21. UW-Eau Claire secured the victory, concluding the quarter with a 12–10 final score.
Shea led the way for the Blugolds, scoring three goals and adding an assist, demonstrating her offensive capability. Stiller also found the net three times, with all shots on target, contributing to the team's scoring effort. Schmidt made a significant impact by scoring the game-winning goal and providing two assists. Meanwhile, Kiani added two goals, including one on a player-up, to support the team's offensive output.
The Blugolds have a record of 5-2 overall and 3-0 in conference play. Saint Benedict holds a record of 2-5 and is 0-3 in its conference.
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