By Riley Schmidt, Sports Information

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – The No. 4 seed University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire women's hockey team is preparing for a battle this upcoming weekend as the Blugolds will take on the No. 1 seed University of Wisconsin-River Falls in the Semifinals of the WIAC conference playoffs Friday and Saturday, Feb. 26-27.

The Blugolds and Falcons faced each other on the ice four times this season, and the Falcons prevailed each game. However, UW-Eau Claire has gotten progressively better at anticipating the teams' next move. Eau Claire's most recent game was last Saturday, as they fell to the Falcons 3-2. After this game, Eau Claire is getting closer and closer to a win. UW-Eau Claire has a real shot at beating the Falcons as they look for another conference title.

Chloe Kinsel and Carly Moran of River Falls have been a consistent dynamic duo on offense, racking up a combined total of eight goals against Eau Claire in this season alone. To be able to skate their way past River Falls this weekend, Eau Claire needs to put on the pressure and shut down these two top scorers.

Paige Turner (Iron River, Wis.) has to be the anchor for the Eau Claire team. With an average save rate of about 92%, she and the defensive line have been a solid pair throughout the season. Looking forward to this Friday and Saturday, the Blugold defense will be tough to get past.

The first WIAC semifinal game will start at 3:05 on Friday afternoon and 2:05 on Saturday in River Falls.