EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's hockey team were back home at Hobbs Ice Arena on Friday for their fourth Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) game of the season. The Blugolds hosted the Northland College Jills for the final game in their two-game series. After an even first period, the Blugolds would kick it into high gear in the third, scoring five unanswered goals for a 5-0 win.
The opening period would see neither side break the tie as both teams' defenses held strong. Eau Claire would spend most of the time in the offensive zone and would end the frame leading in shots 12-2.
The tie would finally be broken in the second with just minutes to spare. Hallie Sheridan (So. – Fergus Falls, MN) would find a rebound out front and beat the sprawling Northland goalie over the glove for the game's first tally. Assists would be credited to Danielle Slominski (So. – Becker, MN/Princeton) and Ashley Donovan (So. – Kasson, MN/Kasson-Mantorville)
In the third, the Blugolds would run away with the lead with multiple goals to begin the period. At the period's four-minute mark, Alyssa Heim (So. – Beaver Dam, WI) would poke the puck home during a scrum in front to extend the lead, and Dehli Heikes (So. – Hermantown, MN) would follow that up with a goal of her own less than three minutes later.
Ella Ierino (Jr. – Dultuh, MN) and Emma Peterson (Sr. – Superior, WI) would tack on goals of their own in the final five minutes to seal the win for Eau Claire.
Josie Mathison (Fr. – Tomah, WI) stopped all three shots she faced for her first career shutout as a Blugold and improves to
The Blugolds will take to the road next Wednesday, February 24th, to take on the UW-Superior Yellowjackets. Puck drop is scheduled for 7PM.
Follow all the action all season long at Blugold Gameday.
