EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – Down 3-0, the UW-Eau Claire women's hockey team scored two second period goals cutting the Royal lead to 3-2 but was unable to complete the comeback as the Blugolds fell to Bethel 5-2 here tonight at Hobbs Ice Center.
The Blugolds fall to 0-2-0 on the season while Bethel stands at 2-0-0.
Bethel appeared to be running away from the Blugolds when they took a 3-0 lead scoring their second goal at 8:44 of the second period. The Blugolds would respond when forward Sydney Schneider (Fr.-Chippewa Falls, WI/Chi-Hi) scored her first career goal assisted by Jaedyn Walz (Fr.-Woodbury, MN/East Ridge) at 9:47 of the second half cutting the lead to 3-1. Forward Paige Dale (So.-Andover, MN) followed with her first goal of the season assisted by forward Mariah Czech (Fr.-Andover, MN) as the Blugolds climbed to within one goal of Bethel ending the second period down 3-2.
The Royals responded adding two goals of their own and holding the Blugolds scoreless in the third period. Eau Claire took five shots in the period but was unable to score a goal.
Eau Claire was outshot 39-10 for the game. The Blugold penalty kill again played well not allowing the Royals a goal on five power play opportunities.
Goalie Kim Van Brunt (Jr.-Eagle River, WI/Northland Pines) saved 34 of 39 shots in her first start of the season.
The Blugolds continue their non-conference play against the MIAC when they travel to St. Paul, MN to face the University of St. Thomas. Face off is set for 7:30 p.m.
-KCM-
