By Nick Hoven, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's hockey team were once again ranked #10 in both the D3hockey.com and USCHO.com polls this past Monday. The Blugolds looked to get back in the winner's circle after suffering a loss at home against UW-River Falls last Saturday. The Blugolds hosted Saint Mary's University Tuesday night before they enter Thanksgiving break. After 60 minutes of physical play, Eau Claire would get the 3-0 win.
In the first period, Eau Claire would control most of the zone time and out-shoot the Cardinals, 20 to 2. The Blugolds saw some life just a little over halfway through the period as they received a 5-minute powerplay due to a Saint Mary's checking from behind major. The Blugolds would record eight of their 20 shots that period during the powerplay, but the Cardinal goalie stood tall.
Eau Claire would strike quickly in the second period, as Emma Peterson (So. – Superior, WI) would score her first goal of the season to give the Blugolds the lead. Eau Claire would see the powerplay four times in the first two periods before they finally got things to click late in the second. Abby Roeser (Jr. – Cottage Grove, MN/East Ridge) would fire home a backdoor pass from Peterson to give Eau Claire the 2-0 lead after 40 minutes of play. Kelly Knetter (Sr. – Wausau, WI/West) would also receive an assist on the powerplay goal.
In the third, both teams would see time in the penalty box again, but Eau Claire's penalty kill would not surrender a goal the entire 60 minutes. Courtney Wittig (Sr. – Green Bay, WI/Bay Port) would cap off the third period with just under five minutes remaining to seal the deal for the team's fifth win.
Erin Connolly (Jr. – Mequon, WI/Homestead) would save all 15 shots she faced and recorded her second shutout on the year. Connolly improves her record to 4-2-1.
The Blugolds will take a couple days off for Thanksgiving break, and then hit the road and travel to Concordia-Moorhead (MN) on Friday, November 23rd at 4 p.m. Follow the action on Blugold Game Day or on the 'UWEC Blugolds' app on your mobile device.
