EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire fell to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls 18–3 on Wednesday at Simpson Field.
The matchup between UW-Eau Claire and Wis.-River Falls began with both teams vying for control. UW-River Falls took an early lead with Elizabeth Clough scoring the first goal at 11:29, assisted by Megan Peter. Macy Patton extended the advantage with a player-up goal at 10:56, following an assist from Natasha Berthiaume. Samantha Hayek added another goal at 7:03, and Avery Watzke followed with a score at 5:59. Clough netted her second goal of the quarter at 3:38, assisted by Hayek, and Patton capped the quarter with a free position goal with 56 seconds remaining. The quarter concluded with UWRF leading 6–0.
In the second quarter, UW-River Falls extended its lead with a goal by Clough at 8:20, assisted by Hayek. The Blugolds responded with a player-down goal by
Ellie Fisher at 1:52, marking their first score of the game. The quarter featured defensive efforts from both teams, with UWEC's
Lizzy Schoknecht making crucial saves, notably against shots from Hayek and Murphi Specht. The score stood at 7–1 in favor of UW-River Falls at the end of the quarter.
UW-River Falls dominated the third quarter, extending its lead with a series of goals. Hayek scored twice, once on a player-up situation assisted by Peter at 13:13, and again at 11:55. Clough capitalized on a free position shot at 9:16, and Specht also found the net twice, including a player-up goal from a free position at 2:55. The Blugolds struggled to maintain possession, committing several turnovers, despite a strong save by Schoknecht early in the quarter. With these efforts, the Falcons widened the gap, ending the quarter with a commanding 14–1 lead.
UW-Eau Claire opened the fourth quarter with a goal by
Jess Stiller at 14:05, narrowing the deficit. However, UW-River Falls responded swiftly with Watzke scoring a free position goal at 12:14, followed by another goal from Hayek, extending their lead.
Victoria Shea capitalized on a player-up opportunity for the Blugolds at 9:00 with an assist from
Addison Moudry, but UWRF maintained its advantage. Clough and Patton each added player-up goals for the Falcons, sealing the quarter with a 4–2 scoring advantage.
Ellie Fisher scored one goal on four shots, all of which were on target, and added a player-down goal for UWEC.
Victoria Shea contributed with a goal, converting her only shot as a player-up opportunity.
Jess Stiller also found the back of the net, scoring once on three shots, with one of her goals being unassisted.
Bella Jones, in goal, made three saves while allowing seven goals on 13 shots faced.
UW-Eau Claire has a record of 5–3, with a conference record of 3–1. UW-River Falls holds a record of 11–2 and is undefeated in the conference at 4–0.
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