EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (8-5, 5-3) secured a close 15–13 victory over the College of Saint Benedict (6-7, 4-4) on Wednesday at Simpson Field. This thrilling match marked the first round of the WIAC Playoffs, setting the stage for the Blugolds to host the 1st seeded Colorado College on Friday, May 1st. The Blugolds' decisive fourth quarter, featuring five goals, was instrumental in clinching the win.
The game began with both teams establishing their goalkeepers on the field, with
Lizzy Schoknecht for UW-Eau Claire and Ashley Fischer for Saint Benedict. Saint Benedict took an early lead at 14:28 with Ava Mosley scoring, assisted by Lizzie Schrubbe. UWEC responded swiftly as
Reegan Werner scored at 13:53, assisted by
Ellie Fisher. Werner struck again at 12:57, leveling the score. The Blugolds briefly led 4–2 after goals from
Paige Kiani and Fisher. However, Saint Benedict reclaimed momentum with three consecutive goals, including two player-up goals by Sami Hackley and one by Emma Theisen, ending the quarter with a 6–4 lead.
UW-Eau Claire narrowed the gap with a strong performance in the second quarter, outscoring Saint Benedict 4–1. Fisher capitalized on a player-up opportunity, scoring with 10:21 left, assisted by
Emerson Mattox. Emma Theisen responded for Saint Benedict at 3:49, momentarily tying the game. However, the Blugolds surged ahead with goals from
Addison Moudry on a free position shot at 2:51, and Mattox, who scored twice, including a late goal with 16 seconds remaining. The quarter concluded with UWEC leading 8–7.
In the third quarter, UW-Eau Claire extended its lead with an early goal by
Jess Stiller, assisted by Werner, at 14:49. Werner continued to impact the game, scoring another goal at 12:24. Saint Benedict responded with a goal from Theisen at 11:38, capitalizing on a turnover by
Victoria Shea. Rayna Malmberg then added two goals for Saint Benedict, one from a free position shot at 10:26 and another assisted by Theisen at 1:42, leveling the score to 10–10 by the end of the quarter. The quarter was marked by strategic plays and defensive efforts from both sides, setting up a tense final quarter.
The fourth quarter saw the Blugolds secure a victory over Saint Benedict with a final score of 15–13. Stiller scored early with a player-up goal, assisted by Werner at 13:55. Moudry followed with a goal at 9:16, again assisted by Werner. Fisher expanded the lead with two goals, the first at 7:37 and another at 3:19. Despite Saint Benedict's efforts, including two goals by Malmberg facilitated by Theisen, they could not close the gap, ending the quarter with UW-Eau Claire maintaining their two-goal advantage.
Ellie Fisher contributed significantly with four goals and an assist, including one game-winning goal, to lead her team's scoring efforts. Werner added to the offensive success with three goals and three assists, while also collecting five draw controls and three caused turnovers. Stiller provided a solid performance by netting three goals on five shots, all of which were on target, and securing four ground balls. Moudry played a key role by scoring two goals and assisting on another, while also gathering six ground balls.
The Blugolds have a record of 8-5 and stand at 5-3 in conference play. Saint Benedict holds a record of 6-7 with a 4-4 mark in its conference games.
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