ST. CLOUD, Minn. (blugolds.com) – The No. 6 ranked University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's hockey team began their 2022-23 season on the road on Friday. As they Blugolds faced off against the College of St. Benedict Bennies, Sophie Rausch (Sr. – Fergus Falls, Minn.) tallied two goals and one assist in her Blugold debut as UW-Eau Claire earned the 4-1 victory.
It was a night of firsts for UW-Eau Claire as three Blugolds recorded their first points in their Blugold sweaters. Halfway through the first period, Sophie Rausch found the game's opening goal at 12:23 for her first goal for UWEC. Keira Bolt (Fr. – Boise, Idaho) and Rilee Winters (Fr. – Brook Park, Minn./Chisago Lakes) tallied their first collegiate assists on Rausch's goal to give Eau Claire the 1-0.
Just minutes later, Taylar Meier (Jr. – River Falls, Wis./Columbine) beat the St. Benedict netminder with a power play goal to extend the lead to 2-0. Emily Hart (Sr. – Red Wing, Minn.) and Sam Bandholz (So. – Richfield, Wis.) both earned assists on Meier's 15th career goal and second career power play goal.
After a hot 2-0 start in the first frame, the Bennies cut the lead back to one with an even strength goal nine minutes into the period. Rausch and the Blugolds answered just 64 seconds later to push the lead back to two. Hallie Sheridan (Sr. – Fergus Falls, Minn.) earned the lone assist on Rausch's second goal of the game.
As both teams combined for 51 shots on goal, neither goalie would bend through the rest of the second and third period. With the goalie pulled and an extra St. Ben's attacker on the ice, Hallie Sheridan sealed the three-goal victory with 49 seconds left in the game to make it 4-1. Sophie Rausch completed her three-point night with the lone assist on Sheridan's tally.
Stephanie Martin (Sr. – Yorktown, Va./Tabb) stopped 33 of the 34 shots she faced to earn her first victory of the season. The 33 saves on the night are Martin's second highest single game total of her Blugold career as she starts 1-0 on the year.
The Blugolds (1-0, WIAC 0-0) will complete their two-game series with the Bennies on Saturday, October 29th on the road. Puck drop is scheduled for 3PM.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugold Game Day or on our app, UWEC Blugolds.
