RIVER FALLS, Wis. — The Beloit College women's ice hockey team faced a relentless offensive attack on Wednesday night, dropping an 8-0 decision to the number one team in the nation, the UW-River Falls Falcons.
Beloit goaltender Madison Bliss (Fort Frances, Ontario) turned in a staggering performance under immense pressure. The netminder faced an overwhelming 75 shots on goal from the Falcons. Bliss remained dialed in for the full 60 minutes, recording a massive 67 saves.
Bliss was particularly sharp in the first period, stopping 18 of 19 shots to keep the Buccaneers within striking distance early against a River Falls team that improved to 8-1-0 with the win.
The Buccaneers' defense worked hard to support their goaltender, totaling 17 blocked shots as a team. Addison Gruhlke (Eau Claire, Wis.) led the team with 4 blocked shots and was also the team's primary offensive catalyst. Fianne Makela (Duluth, MN) contributed 3 blocked shots defensively. Hannah Chady (Janesville, Wis.) and April Vocke (Eau Claire, Wis.) each recorded 2 blocked shots.
Generating offense proved difficult for Beloit against a stifling Falcons defense that allowed only five shots on goal throughout the contest. Addison Gruhlke led the attack, accounting for 60% of the team's offense with 3 shots on goal. Julia Fussy (Mahtomedi, Minn.) and Kennedy Gruhlke (Eau Claire, Wis.) registered the other two shots on goal for the Buccaneers
The first period was a testament to Beloit's defensive grit. Despite being outshot 19-1, the Buccaneers held the Falcons to a single goal—a strike by Kailey Niccum at the 5:42 mark.
However, the Falcons' depth took over in the second period. UW-River Falls capitalized on special teams, scoring two power-play goals and adding two even-strength markers to take a 5-0 lead. The home team added three more goals in the final frame to seal the 8-0 victory.
Beloit (1-8-0, 0-4-0 WIAC) struggled to stay out of the box in the second period, surrendering two power-play opportunities which River Falls converted on both times. The Buccaneers had one power-play opportunity in the third period but were unable to convert.
The Buccaneers host UW-Stevens Point on Friday and Saturday. Both games are set for 2 pm puck drops at the Woodman's Center in Janesville.
