By Nick Hoven, UWEC Sports Information

Eau Claire, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – The No. 6 University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's hockey team hosted their first home game on Tuesday as they hosted the No. 9 Hamline University Pipers at Hobbs Ice Arena. The Blugolds would pull ahead in the final period and hold off the Pipers to win 4-3.

Box Score

The first period would end in a scoreless 0-0 score after both teams would control a split time in the offensive zone. Both teams would record four shots on target in the even matchup.

The following period would test the Blugolds after giving up a powerplay goal just about halfway through the period to send Eau Claire behind heading into the third period.

In the final frame Eau Claire would even the score early, and then pull away from the opposition with back to back goals. Hamline would score late in the period, but another Blugold goal two minutes later would give them a two-goal advantage once again. The Pipers managed a goal with under a minute to play, but it was too little, too late.

Elizabeth Bauer (Sr. – Wausau, WI/East) would tally two goals on the night and one assist while Sami Meister (Sr. – Plymouth, MN/Wayzata) and Morgan Zirbel (Jr. – Green Bay, WI/Ashwaubenon) would both record a goal each.

Goaltender Erin Connolly (Sr. – Mequon, WI/Homestead) would get the cell to defend the net for Eau Claire. Connolly would stop 18 of 21 shots she faced on her way to improving her season record to 5-1-0.

The Blugolds will enjoy Thanksgiving break before heading back on the road to participate in the Lake Forest Invite. Eau Claire will face St Thomas on Friday, November 29^th, and Elmira College on Saturday, November 30^th. The first game is scheduled for 4PM and the second game at 12:30PM.

Follow the Blugolds all season long on Blugold Game Day or on the 'UWEC Blugolds' app from your mobile device.