Costly penalties hinder Women’s Hockey against the Pointers

MEQUON, Wis. - Capitalizing on power plays has been the Achilles heel for Concordia University Wisconsin thus far in the young season. The Falcons failed to capitalize on their three attempts against the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, losing a tough 3-1 matchup at the Ozaukee Ice Center on Friday evening.

The initial two minutes of the first stanza could not have gone any better for the Falcons (0-4-1, 0-3-1 NCHA) as sophomore goalkeeper Kaitlyn Evans (Fairbanks, Alaska) stopped two tough shots early, while sophomore forward Samantha Reiter (Stillwater, Minn.) notched the first goal of the game. Things took a turn quickly during the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association matchup.

The Pointers tied the game up shortly after in the first frame on a goal from Allie Tanzer. As the second period progressed, the Falcons amassed two penalties simultaneously that ultimately shifted the momentum permanently in favor of the Pointers, as they capitalized on the power-play opportunities. Nikki Kloes broke the 1-1 tie while Tanzer amassed her second goal of the game to put the finishing touch on the Falcons.

Both of the goalkeepers had active nights, as Evans saved 23-of-26 shots for the Falcons while Hillary Drake managed to save 23-of-24 shots.

The Falcons will host the Pointers (4-1-0, 3-1-0 NCHA) again Saturday afternoon with a start time of 2 p.m. at the Ozaukee Ice Center.