Falcons Rally to Bounce No. 5-Ranked Blugolds

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – The CUW women's hockey team picked up its first victory on the young season with a 4-3 victory at No. 5 Wisconsin-Eau Claire. The Victory sends CUW to 1-0-1 and hands UWEC its first loss of the year.

The Falcons struck first with a goal from sophomore Brooke Gibson (Aurora, Ont.) in the first period off assists from freshman Charlotte Toor (Hartland, Mich.) and senior Emily Reimche (Billings, Mont.).

The Blugolds took the lead in the second period with a pair of goals in the first seven minutes.

Brooke Gibson tied the game with a loose puck off an assist to sophomore Amanda Bauer (Waunakee, Wis.) that was tossed into the net.

The Falcons tied the game in the third period when the puck was left in front of the Eau Claire net and freshman Makayla Spejcher (Green Bay, Wis.) scored her first goal as a Falcon.

The game-winning goal came on the power play when Brooke Gibson tossed the puck across the net and sophomore Natalie Mackrell (Stuttgart, Germany) was waiting on the far side and found the net.

The Blugolds held an 18-10 advantage in shots but senior Annalina Van Hercke (Castle Rock, Colo.) was up to the task and finished with 15 saves.

Brooke Gibson led CUW with two shots.

This is the Falcons' first victory over a ranked opponent since March 6, 2015, when CUW defeated No. 4 Adrian in the NCHA Playoffs. 

The Falcons return to play in the home opener on Friday against Saint Benedict.