EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's hockey team pulled off an overtime win on Friday night, defeating Lake Forest 3-2.
After a scoreless first period, the Blugolds wasted no time getting on the scoreboard in the second. Morgan Zirbel (Fr.-Green Bay, WI/Ashwaubenon) notched an unassisted goal just a minute and a half into the period and Elizabeth Bauer (So. – Wausau, WI/East) made it a 2-goal lead with a goal of her own just three minutes later. Hanna Zavoral (Fr. – St. Paul, MN/Highland Park) and Courtney Wittig (Jr. – Green Bay, WI/Bay Port) were credited for the assists.
Lake Forest would cut the lead to one quickly, however, as Maddie Davis scored at the 5:51 mark.
The Foresters evened things up mid-way through the third, forcing the game into overtime.
The Blugolds wouldn't need long to find the game-winner as Lauren Norgren (Sr. – Fergus Falls, MN) would find the back of the net thanks to assists from Wittig and Bauer.
Eau Claire out-shot the Foresters 35-17 and held a slight edge in face-offs, winning 31 of 56. Goaltender Erin Connolly (Mequon, WI/Homestead) earned her eighth win of the season, improving to 8-4-2 after recording 15 saves.
The Blugolds (9-5-2) will take on the Foresters again on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Hobbs Ice Arena. Follow the action on Blugold Game Day.