By Nick Hoven, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's hockey team wrapped up their fourth game in six days with a 1-1 tie with Marian University Saturday night at Hobbs Ice Arena.
The Blugolds were looking to finish the week strong after a dominating win on Friday as they beat Saint Mary's University 5-1. Eau Claire continued their fast-paced play from Friday as they controlled the puck in the Marian zone for the first five minutes of the period. The Sabres would even things out for the remainder of the period with both teams skating back and forth and getting some good scoring opportunities. The Blugolds would end up out-shooting the Sabres 7-3 after the end of the first period.
The second period brought fast-paced systems and crisp passes from both teams but both goalies stood their ground as both squads battled it out in front of each goal. Eau Claire would come away with a two period lead in face-offs winning 20 of 37.
It was in the third period that the Blugolds would strike first. After a shot from the point and a scrum in front of the net, Kelly Knetter (So.-Wausau/West) would find the puck, get a shot off, receive her own rebound, and finally put it home. This would be Knetter's second goal on the power-play. Maggie Koethe (So.-Brooklyn Park, MN/Marantha Christian Academy) would receive the assist.
The Sabres answered back with just a little under five minutes left in the period. Sarah Bier would take a shot from the top of the right circle and go right over the goalie's blocker. After regulation, the Blugolds would lead the Sabres in shots 33 to 14.
The overtime period would bring more fast hockey with plenty of scoring chances, but neither side would come out on top.
Erin Connolly (Fr.-Mequon, WI/Homestead) would save 14 of 15 shots on goal and increases her record to 7-3-1.
Eau Claire (9-4-1, 1-1 WIAC) will take a break for finals before getting back on the ice on December 31st when they host St. Catherine University. The puck will drop at 11 a.m.
Follow the action all season on Blugold Game Day.
