By Nick Hoven, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's hockey team took to the ice for the first time in 2017 as they faced the Oles from St. Olaf College, coming away with a 1-0 win.
Earlier in the season, Anna Veazey (Fr.-Rapid City, SD/Dakota Ridge) lead the Blugolds to a shutout win back in November. In Wednesday's match up, the first period was all about solid goaltending. The teams had equal offensive zone time, but neither could manage a goal. The Blugolds would dominate the faceoff circle, however, winning 10 of 14. Eau Claire would also lead St. Olaf in shots, 10 to 3.
The second period saw a more up and down game with both teams finding equal opportunities at both ends of the ice. The Blugolds would kill off a penalty to start the period that would keep St. Olaf off the board. The Oles would find some more shots on goal though, keeping it close with eight compared to Eau Claire's nine.
The Blugold power-play has been one of the best in the WIAC Conference this year and they found the back of the net once again in the third period. Elizabeth Bauer (Fr.-Wausau, WI/East) pounded in the rebound after a shot from the point by Holly Turnbull (So.-Hayward, WI/Hayward), giving Eau Claire the win.
Erin Connolly (Fr.-Mequon, WI/Homestead) improves her record to 9-4-1 and recorded her third career shutout as a Blugold.
Eau Claire (11-4-1, 1-1 WIAC) takes the ice again on Friday, January 6 at 7:00 p.m. as they take on Augsburg College.
Follow all the action this season on Blugold Game Day.
