LA CROSSE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (7-4, 5-2) fell to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (11-4, 5-2) with a final score of 12–9 on Wednesday night at Veterans Field. Despite a strong fourth-quarter rally where the Blugolds netted five goals, they could not overcome the early deficit.
The opening quarter saw UW-Eau Claire starting strong with
Grace Schmidt securing the draw control and then quickly scoring the game's first goal at 14:20. However, UW-La Crosse responded effectively, with Megan Maloney equalizing at 9:54 with a free position goal. As the quarter progressed, Ava Schiltz gave UW-La Crosse the lead at 5:10, assisted by Emily Wrobbel. UW-La Crosse extended its advantage with another goal from Megan Maloney at 2:38, closing the quarter with a 3–1 lead over the Blugolds.
In the second quarter, UWEC's
Jess Stiller opened the scoring at 14:14 with a goal, assisted by
Reegan Werner. UW-La Crosse responded with several attempts but was unable to capitalize until Megan Maloney scored with 2:44 remaining on a player-up opportunity.
Ellie Fisher extended UWEC's lead with a goal at 7:40, again assisted by Werner.
Paige Kiani tied the game for the Blugolds with a goal at 00:24, assisted by Fisher, closing the quarter with a 4–4 tie. Both teams exhibited strong defensive efforts, with goalkeepers Stefania Rossi and
Lizzy Schoknecht making crucial saves.
UW-La Crosse gained momentum in the third quarter with a series of goals, opening with Ava Schiltz scoring at the 11:20 mark, assisted by Emily Wrobbel. Shortly after, Tori Katzenmeyer added another goal for UW-La Crosse at 10:45, increasing its lead. The hosts continued to capitalize on their offensive efforts with Angie Olla finding the net at 5:01, assisted by Katzenmeyer. Megan Maloney capped the scoring with a player-up goal from a free position shot at 2:30. The Blugolds managed several clear attempts but struggled to convert offensively, with several shots saved by UW-La Crosse's goalkeeper, Stefania Rossi. The quarter ended with UW-La Crosse extending its lead to 8–4.
UW-La Crosse capitalized early in the fourth quarter, with Tori Katzenmeyer scoring a player-up goal at 14:41, followed by Ava Schiltz's goal assisted by Angie Olla. Megan Maloney added another for UW-La Crosse on a free position shot at 11:45. UW-Eau Claire responded with a goal from
Paige Kiani at 10:31, sparking a comeback effort.
Reegan Werner scored twice, including a player-up goal at 9:22, narrowing the gap.
Grace Schmidt, assisted by
Ellie Fisher, and
Jess Stiller, assisted by
Paige Kiani, added late goals for the Blugolds, but UW-La Crosse maintained the lead to secure a 12–9 victory.
Reegan Werner led the scoring effort with two goals and added two assists while also collecting five ground balls.
Paige Kiani contributed significantly on offense with two goals and a total of seven shots, all on goal.
Ellie Fisher tallied one goal and assisted on two others, showing efficiency with four of her five shots on target. Goalkeeper
Lizzy Schoknecht recorded seven saves and matched her teammates by securing four ground balls.
UWEC has an overall record of 7-4, with a conference record of 5-2. UW-La Crosse holds an overall record of 11-4, also with a conference record of 5-2.
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