ASHLAND, Wis. — In a commanding performance, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women’s hockey team decisively defeated Northland College with a staggering score of 11-0 during their Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) opener on Friday evening at the Bay Area Civic Center. The Blugolds, currently ranked 11th in the nation, fell just one goal short of tying the program record for the highest number of goals scored in a single game.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- From the outset, UW-Eau Claire (3-1-0, 1-0-0) displayed their offensive prowess by netting five goals in the first period. The relentless assault continued as the Blugolds added another trio of goals in the second period, capping off their scoring spree with three additional goals in the final frame.
- Notably, three standout players shone brightly, each scoring two goals: Gretta Pioske (So. – Mound, Minn./Mound Westonka), Sadie Long (Sr. – Farmington, Minn.), and Kenzie Keller (So. – Mankato, Minn./East). Pioske celebrated a milestone moment, as her two goals marked her inaugural scores in a Blugold uniform.
- Sam Moehle (Jr. – Farmington, Minn.) contributed significantly to the team’s success, racking up an impressive four points through one goal and three assists. Keller, alongside Keira Bolt (Jr. – Boise, Idaho) and Maddie Hulter (So. – Fergus Falls, Minn.), each notched two assists, underlining the Blugolds’ collaborative offense.
- In total, an impressive eight different players found the back of the net for the Blugolds. Among them, Ella Hansen (Fr. – New Prague, Minn.) celebrated her first career goal, marking an exciting milestone in her freshman year. Additionally, Samantha Bandholz (Sr. – Richfield, Wis./Slinger), Ellie Anderson (Sr. – Fergus Falls, Minn.), and Ava Webster (Jr. – Rosemount, Minn.) each contributed to the scoring surge.
- In goal, Alexa Backmann (So. – Rogers, Minn.) showcased her skills by stopping all eight shots she faced, earning a well-deserved victory for her team.
UP NEXT
The Blugolds will continue their journey in the WIAC with an upcoming match against UW-Superior on Saturday, November 16, where puck drop is scheduled for 2 p.m. Stay updated on the Blugolds throughout the season by visiting Blugolds.com or downloading our app, Blugold Sports. You can also follow us on social media, including Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
How do you plan to address any weaknesses observed during the game against Northland College in future practices?
**Interview with Head Coach of UW-Eau Claire Women’s Hockey Team, Coach Sarah Larson**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Coach Larson! Congratulations on the impressive 11-0 victory over Northland College. How does this win set the tone for the rest of your season?
**Coach Larson:** Thank you! This win really gives us a boost of confidence as we dive into our conference play. It shows what we’re capable of as a team when we play cohesively and capitalize on our scoring opportunities. We aim to build on this momentum throughout the season.
**Editor:** The team scored five goals in the first period alone. What do you think contributed to such a dominant start?
**Coach Larson:** Our energy and focus in the first period were truly remarkable. We stressed the importance of coming out strong and establishing control early on, and the players executed the game plan perfectly. It’s all about being aggressive and taking advantage of our chances.
**Editor:** It was notable that three players—Gretta Pioske, Sadie Long, and another—each scored two goals. Can you talk about their contributions and what they bring to the team?
**Coach Larson:** Absolutely! Gretta and Sadie are phenomenal players who have great chemistry on the ice. They not only have the ability to score, but they’re also instrumental in setting up plays and contributing to the overall team dynamic. Their performance tonight truly exemplifies how teamwork can lead to individual success.
**Editor:** Your team came just one goal shy of the program record for goals in a single game. Do you think that record is within reach this season?
**Coach Larson:** Definitely! We’ve got the talent and determination to break that record, and games like tonight are stepping stones towards achieving that goal. However, we focus on each game as it comes. It’s important to stay grounded and continue improving.
**Editor:** Looking ahead, what are your primary focuses in practice as the season progresses?
**Coach Larson:** We’re going to keep working on our offensive strategies while also tightening up our defense. Consistency is key, and we’ll be focusing on maintaining our intensity and discipline in every game as we strive for success in the WIAC.
**Editor:** Thank you, Coach Larson, for your insights and once again congratulations on the dominant win. Best of luck with the rest of the season!
**Coach Larson:** Thank you! We appreciate your support!