JANESVILLE, Wis. — Despite a massive effort in net by goaltender Janelle Quast (Litchfield, Minn.) and a second-period power-play surge that brought the game within one, Beloit College Women's hockey fell 6-1 to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) this afternoon at the Woodman's Sports & Convention Center.
While the Pointers (7-3-0, 1-2-0 WIAC) ultimately controlled the shot count, the Buccaneers (1-9-0, 0-3-0 WIAC) showed significant resilience in the middle frame, highlighted by strong special teams play and competitive faceoff work.
The story of the afternoon for the Buccaneers was the workload of goaltender Quast. Facing a relentless UWSP offense that generated 52 shots on goal, Quast kept the Buccaneers within striking distance for much of the contest. She finished the day with 46 saves, including 21 stops in the third period alone as the Pointers pressed to extend their lead.
After falling behind 2-0 in the first period, Beloit found their footing in the second. The Buccaneers' biggest momentum swing came at the 11:30 mark of the middle frame. Capitalizing on a power-play opportunity, Makenzee Kostiuk (Thunder Bay, Ontario) found the back of the net for her first goal of the season.
Assisted by Madi Hoffman (Madison, Wis.) and Addison Gruhlke (Eau Claire, Wis.), Kostiuk's goal cut the UWSP deficit to 2-1, breathing new life into the home bench. For a seven-minute stretch following the goal, Beloit held firm, looking for an equalizer against the favored visitors.
Beloit's momentum was halted late in the second period. With just under two minutes remaining before the second intermission, UWSP converted on a power play of their own to push the lead back to 3-1.
The deficit proved too steep to overcome in the third period, as UWSP struck twice in the opening five minutes of the final frame—goals by Molly Pohlkamp and Jenna Britz—to put the game out of reach.
Despite the scoreline, Beloit was competitive in the faceoff circle, winning 29 draws compared to UWSP's 30 (49.2%). Kylie Schryer (Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario) led the way for the Bucs, winning 12 of 22 draws (54.5%), while Rachel Fussy (Mahtomedi, Minn.) won 8 of 13 (61.5%). The Buccaneers' power play unit converted on 33% of their chances (1-for-3), maximizing their limited offensive zone time. The defense worked hard in front of Quast, recording 6 blocked shots, with Tate Hutchinson (Calgary, Alberta) leading the team with 2 blocks.
The Buccaneers and Pointers have a quick turn around, squaring off again tomorrow afternoon. Puck drop from the Woodman's Center is set for 2 pm.
