By Nick Hoven, UWEC Sports Information
Eau Claire, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – The No. 6 University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's hockey team returned to Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletics Conference play on Saturday afternoon as they took on No. 4 UW-River Falls on Saturday, defeating the Falcons, 3-1.
In the first period, Hanna Zavoral (Jr. – St. Paul, MN/Highland Park) would open the scoring for the Blugolds after beating the Falcon goalie for her third goal of the season. Emily Hart (Fr. – Red Wing, MN) would get the lone credit for an assist.
The Falcons would answer right back just a minute later to tie the game at one. The Blugolds would answer with plenty of offensive power and would capitalize later in the period. Abby Roeser (Sr. – Cottage Grave, MN/East Ridge) would add a late powerplay goal to put the Blugolds back in the lead.
After a scoreless second period, the Blugolds would pull ahead in the third. Emma Peterson (Jr. – Superior, WI) would find the back of the net for the fourth time this season to seal the deal with just five minutes remaining in the last period. The goal would be Peterson's fourth of the year to give her the team lead.
Goaltender Erin Connolly (Sr. – Mequon, WI/Homestead) would get the cell to defend the net for Eau Claire. Connolly would stop 22 of 23 shots she faced on her way to improving her season record to 4-1-0.
The Blugolds will head back to Eau Claire and host their home-opener on Tuesday, November 26th, when they take on Hamline University. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 PM.
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