By Nick Hoven, UWEC Sports Information
MADISON, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – The Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) office announced the 2017 All-WIAC women's hockey awards on Friday, with the Blugolds landing four players on the First Team and four on the Honorable Mention Team.
The 2016-17 season has been a record-breaking one for the Blugolds thus far as they have already set a new school record for wins and on Saturday will play for their first WIAC title. Deservedly, several Blugolds earned conference recognition for their efforts this season.
In just her first collegiate season, Erin Connolly (Fr. - Mequon, WI/Homestead) earned a spot on the First Team after an impressive performance amongst other WIAC goalies. Connolly ranks second in goals against average (1.63), third in saves (444), and second in shutouts (3).
Joining Connolly on the First team was Lauren Norgren (Jr. - Fergus Falls, MN), Jaedyn Walz (Jr. - Woodbury, MN/East Ridge), and Courtney Wittig (So. - Green Bay, WI/Bay Port).
Norgren earned herself the sixth spot in the WIAC in points by defensemen (11), while Walz put herself 10th for points (18) and seventh in assists (12). Both also recorded career-highs in points. Wittig, the sophomore transfer from Marian University, led Eau Claire with 16 goals and ranked fourth in the conference.
Another four Blugolds would represent their team on the All-WIAC Honorable Mention team.
Elizabeth Bauer (Fr. - Wausau, WI/East), Claudia Gagnon (Sr. - Duluth, MN/East), Sami Meister (Fr. - Plymouth, MN/Wayzata), and Holly Turnbull (So. - Hayward, WI) all combined for 56 points on the year and have all posted a career-high in points and goals.
In addition, Emma Silkey (Sr-Chaska, MN/Chaska HS) was named to the WIAC All-Sportsmanship Team.
The Blugolds (18-8-1) will play at No. 3 UW-River Falls in the WIAC Championship Saturday at 2 p.m. Follow the action on Blugold Game Day.
