WINONA, Minn. (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's hockey team rang in the New Year with an afternoon matchup against Saint Mary's University (MN). After a scoreless first period, the Blugolds scored three unanswered goals in the second and third period to secure a 4-1 nonconference win.
The opening period held a fierce battle for control as UW-Eau Claire outshot the Cardinals 12-8 while playing at even strength for the full 20 minutes od play. It wasn't until the second period where the scoreless tie would be broken.
Sydney Johnson (So. – Apple Valley, MN) tallied her first collegiate goal just over three minutes into the second frame for a 1-0 Blugold lead. Addie Young (Sr. – Superior, WI) and Dehli Heikes (Jr. – Hermantown, MN) both received assists on the goal.
Hallie Sheridan (Jr. – Fergus Falls, MN) followed up Johnson's tally with her ninth goal of the season. Bree Osborne (Sr. – West St. Paul, MN/Cretin Derham Hall) and Emma Peterson (Sr. – Superior, WI) assisted on the second goal just 36 seconds after Sheridan's go ahead score.
Just 42 seconds into the third period, Emma Peterson slotted back onto the scoresheet with UWEC's third unanswered goal of the game to increase the lead to 3-0. SMU responded about seven minutes later with a goal of their own to eliminate the chance for an Eau Claire shutout. Hanna Zavoral (Sr. – St, Paul, MN) responded just two minutes later to seal a 4-1 victory for the Blugolds.
The Blugolds (13-1, WIAC 3-0) will be back on home ice on Friday, January 7th when they face St. Norbert College for the first game of a weekend doubleheader series. Puck drop for Friday is scheduled for 7PM from Hobbs Ice Center.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugold Game Day or on our app, UWEC Blugolds.
