By Kyle Naber, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com)- While the weather outside is getting colder, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's hockey team is heating up, after notching a 6-1 win Saturday when they took on Bethel University (Minn.) at Hobbs Ice Center.
Box Score | Video | D3photography Gallery
The Blugolds were fresh off of a 8-0 win where they recorded 70 total shots on goal. The offensive hot streak continued on Saturday early for Eau Claire. At the 5-minute mark, Mariah Czech (Jr.-Andover, MN/ Andover) put one past the Royals goalie on an unassisted goal. The Royals would quickly respond with a goal, their only goal of the game, three minutes later to tie it at one.
The Blugolds did not let that deter them, and they answered the call by scoring three more times all by junior Paige Dale (Jr.-Andover, MN/ Andover). After recording the hat trick, Dale is now tied with Czech as the teams top scorer with five goals each.
In the second period, the Blugolds behind their commanding 4-1 lead added another goal late in the period when Erin Goodell (Fr.-Maplewood, MN/Woodbury) lit the lamp at the 17:38 mark giving Danielle Lucker (Fr.-Little Canada, MN/Roseville) the assist.
In the final period the Blugolds did not take the foot off the gas pedal as they added another insurance goal just thirty seconds into the period off the stick of Jaedyn Walz (So. -Woodbury, MN/East Ridge) to make it a 6-1 game. The Blugolds cruised to the victory.
Senior Paige Turner (Sr.-Iron River, WI/Duluth East) had another solid day between the pipes making 16 saves. Eau Claire outshot the Royals 37-17.
After winning two this weekend, Eau Claire moves to (5-6-3) (1-3-2 WIAC) on the season and will be on a break until they return to the ice for a home and home weekend series against St. Mary's (Minn.) January 1st and 2nd.
