LOCAL COLLEGES: Blugolds start strong before falling to No. 1 Falcons

RIVER FALLS — UW-Eau Claire fell to UW-River Falls 5-3 in women’s hockey play on Saturday night at Hunt Arena.

The Blugolds held a 2-0 lead after the first period, but the Falcons responded with four goals in the second period to secure the victory.

UW-Eau Claire took an early lead against UW-River Falls in the first period with Madisyn Krumholz scoring at 16:04, assisted by Josie Grossman and Rachel Mirwald.

UWEC’s Ava Johansson extended the lead to 2-0 at 00:25, with assists from Kenzie Keller and Harper Poehling.

UW-Eau Claire extended its lead to 3-0 in the second period with a goal from Maddie Hulter at 12:49, assisted by Adrienne Hansen and Kylie Wiltse.

However, UW-River Falls responded with five straight goals to prevail.

Megan Goodreau netted the eventual game-winning goal on a power play to secure a 4-3 lead for UW-River Falls by the end of the second period.

UWEC’s Kambelle Freije finished with 40 saves in net, despite allowing five goals.

The Blugolds are 16-6-0 overall and 8-1-0 in conference play. UW-River Falls stands at 20-1-0, 8-1-0.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Blugolds suffer road loss

STEVENS POINT — UW-Eau Claire fell to UW-Stevens Point 69-55 in a WIAC matchup at Berg Gym on Saturday.

UWEC’s Delaney Nyenhuis led all players with 18 points while also pulling down eight rebounds.

Reanna Hutchinson contributed nine points and added three assists for the Blugolds.

UWEC fell to 12-9 overall and 2-8 in WIAC play.

Stout upsets No. 9 Whitewater

WHITEWATER — UW-Stout delivered a statement win on Saturday, defeating the ninth-ranked UW-Whitewater Warhawks 66-53 on the road.

The Blue Devils improved to 11-10 overall and 2-8 in WIAC play.

Freshman Addy Verhagen paced Stout with a game-high 18 points.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Blue Devils drop close one

MENOMONIE — UW-Stout went punch-for-punch with nationally respected Wisconsin-Whitewater before a last-second, off-balance three lifted the Warhawks to a 78–77 win Saturday afternoon at Johnson Fieldhouse.

Stout freshman Wesley Mboga, who played for Eau Claire Memorial, scored a career-high 19 points. He also had six rebounds.

Domanyck Schwarzenberger and AJ Uttech added 18 points apiece for the Blue Devils.

WRESTLING

Four Blugolds place in Parker Open

UW-Eau Claire wrestling team hosted the annual Don Parker open on Saturday. Four Blugolds placed in the top five of their respective brackets.

Calvin Singewald took fourth place in the 133 pound division. Ethan Struck placed fourth at 157. Jackson Peak earned a fourth-place finish at 197.

Cole Matulenko placed fifth at 285.

WOMEN’S LACROSSE

Blugolds drop season opener

UW-Eau Claire fell to Calvin College 17-6 in non-conference action on Friday evening at The Sonnentag.

UWEC’s Addison Moudry scoring an early goal, assisted by Reegan Werner, to level the score. Ellie Fisher then gave the Blugolds the lead, assisted by Brianna Scanlon.

Victoria Shea followed with a goal before Grace Schmidt scored twice in the second quarter.