By Nick Hoven, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's hockey team started Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) play Friday night against UW-Superior, falling to the Yellowjackets 3-1.
The first period was controlled by the Blugolds leading the shots 9 to 5 while the Yellowjackets dominated the faceoff circle 6 to 3 to even out a scoreless first period.
It was then in the second period that the first goal would be scored. Superior's Mikayla Goodin took a shot on net that would hit the goalie stick of Erin Connolly (Fr. – Mequon, WI/Homestead) and bounced up and over her. The Blugolds would then extend their shot lead to 17-11, but could not seem to capitalize.
In the first 11 minutes of the third period, the Yellowjackets would add two more goals. The Blugolds would have a 5 on 3 opportunity with just under 10 minutes left and after two blocked shots, the Blugolds would get called for having six skaters on the ice. After a shot from the back door, Lauren Norgren (Jr. Fergus Falls, MN) would put home the loose rebound. Both teams would then kill off the 4 on 4 and Superior would earn the 3-1 win.
The Blugolds would finish outshooting the Yellowjackets 28-17 in the contest while Connelly tallied 14 saves in the loss.
The Blugolds (4-3, 0-1 WIAC) will return to Hobbs Saturday night to host UW-River Falls at 7 p.m.
Follow all the action this season on Blugold Game Day.