By Anna Sveiven, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugold.com) - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's hockey team hosted UW-Stevens Point in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) semifinals (presented by Culver's) on Friday, with Eau Claire defeating Stevens Point, 5 to 1.
Box Score | WIAC Championship Website
Eau Claire would start quick and after only two shots on net, Ella Ierino (Fr-Duluth, MN) would score the first goal at 2:57. Not long after, Courtney Wittig (Sr-Green Bay, WI/Bay Port) would earn her 24th goal of the season and the second of the day for the Blugolds. With Eau Claire controlling the first period, Monica Sjodin (Sr-Anoka, MN/Anoka) would score goal number three with an assist from Lexi Wilson (Sr-Eagan, MN/Eagan).
The action in the second period came from the many penalties and the lone Stevens Point goal and after two periods of play, the Blugolds led the Pointers, 3-1.
Eau Claire took control in the third period, led by Elizabeth Bauer (Jr-Wausau, WI/Wausau East) who tallied two goals to seal the Blugold win.
The Blugolds outshot the Pointers 51-16 on the day and won 40 of 64 faceoffs. Erin Connolly (Jr.-Mequon, WI/Homestead) got the win in goal, recording 15 saves.
The two squads return to Hobbs Ice Arena Saturday, February 23rd in game two of WIAC semifinals. Continue to follow the action on Blugold Game Day or on the 'UWEC Blugolds' app.