ST. CLOUD, Minn. (Blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's hockey team started their 2017-18 campaign in dominating fashion, defeating Saint Benedict 6-0 on Friday night.
The Blugolds offense had a balanced attack, with eleven Blugolds earning points on the night.
Mariah Czech (Sr. – Andover, MN) tallied the first goal of the season on a power play, getting assists from Jaedyn Walz (Sr. – Woodbury, MN/East Ridge) and Kelly Knetter (Jr. – Wausau, WI/West) 16 minutes into the game.
Eau Claire commanded the second period, recording three goals. Emma Peterson (Fr. – Superior, WI) scored at 8:28 (Reilly Albert (So. – Duluth, MN/Hermantown) assist) while Elizabeth Bauer (So. – Wausau, WI/East) took advantage of another power play, scoring at 13:28 with assists from Courtney Wittig (Jr. – Green Bay, WI/Bay Port) and Sami Meister (So. – Plymouth, MN/Wayzata).
Holly Turnbull (Jr. – Hayward, WI) scored her first goal of the night at 19:05 on a power play (Bauer and Peterson assists) and would add her second goal at 13:40 in the third period (Meister assist).
Jennifer Thomsen (Sr. – Apple Valley, MN) would add goal number six just three minutes later thanks to assists from Albert and Lexi Wilson (Jr. – Eagan, MN) as the Blugolds would cruise to the 6-0 win.
Eau Claire out-shot the Blazers 47-13 and converted on three of four power plays.
Anna Veazey (So. - Rapid City, SD/Dakota Ridge) earned the win between the pipes, recording 13 saves.
The Blugolds will be back in action Thursday as they host Hamline University at 7 p.m. at Hobbs Ice Arena. Follow the action on Blugold Game Day.