EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – The UW-Eau Claire women's hockey team had a rough start to its season as they opened up tonight with a loss to Bethel University (Minn.) 1-6 at Hobbs Ice Center. 

Bethel came out strong right away and was able to find the back of the net within the first three minutes of the game.  The Royals were able to score two more in the first period with the third goal coming after a penalty by Katie Ward (Jr. - Andover, Minn./Coon Rapids).  The Blugolds were able to score their lone goal in the last two minutes of the first period when Stephanie Hatcher (So.-Burnsville, Minn./Lakeville North) got a shot from Dani Kerr (Jr. – Little Canada, Minn./Roseville) 10 feet out. 

In the second and third periods Bethel scored three more goals.  Two of them came off power plays in the second period. 

All three goalies got to see some time in the net tonight for the Blugolds tonight.  Mara Stormer (Jr. – Waunakee, Wis.) got the start for the Blugolds.  Stormer gave up three goals but was able to get five saves.  In the second period, Ally Derthick (So, - Knoxville, Tenn./New Hampton Prep) came and gave up two goals and made five save.  To finish off the night Morgan Pieper (Sr.-Williams, Minn./Warroad) played the final period and only gave up one goal and had 4 saves. 

Eau Claire did manage to outshoot the Royals every period and finished with 25 shot to Bethels 20.

Eau Claire is now 0-1 on the season.  The Blugolds and Royals will meet again tomorrow at Bethel.  The puck will drop at 3:00 p.m.

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