By Nick Hoven, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) - The University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire women's hockey team ended 2016 with a dominating performance over St. Catherine University on Saturday.The stellar Blugold powerplay didn't capitalize today, but controlled the puck in the offensive zone for a majority of the game.
The first period started like many others this season, with the Blugolds striking first. The team's leading goal scorer, Courtney Wittig (So.-Green Bay, WI/Bayport) helped Eau Claire gain a 1-0 lead just eight minutes into the game. Assists would be credited to Elizabeth Bauer (Fr.-Wausau, WI/East) and Holly Turnbull (So.-Hayward, WI). St. Kate's would tie the game at one after a defensive zone turnover by the Blugolds with just under four minutes to go in the period. Eau Claire would lead the Wildcats 15-4 in shots after the first period.
The second period would showcase the speed of the Blugolds once again as they scored the only goal in that period. Sydney Schneider (Jr.-Chippewea Falls, WI/Chi-Hi) would score the game winning goal. Schneider would put home her own rebound after a pass from Mariah Czech (Sr.-Andover, MN) and Emma Silkey (Sr.-Chaska, MN).
The Blugolds have had a phenomenal year at winning face-offs and continued it today winning 32 of 59 in the circle. Assistant captain Lauren Norgren (Sr.-Fergus Falls, MN) finished off the scoring just two minutes into the third period.
Erin Connolly (Fr.-Mequon, WI/Homestead) would receive her 13th start of the year and improves her record to 8-4-1.
The Blugolds (10-4-1, WIAC 1-1-0) are back on the ice Wednesday, January 4, 2017 against St. Olaf, MN at 7:00 PM.
Follow all the action this season on Blugold Game Day.