BELOIT, WI – In a Friday afternoon matchup at the Woodman's Sports & Convention Center, the Beloit College Buccaneers (2-11-0, 0-4-0 WIAC) showcased a resilient spirit and a late-game offensive surge before ultimately falling 5-1 to the MSOE Raiders (5-7-1, 3-4-1 NCHA). Despite the final score, the Buccaneers provided their home crowd with plenty to cheer for, particularly during a high-energy third period that saw them break through on the power play.
The story of the first two periods was the steady presence of Beloit goaltender Janelle Quast (Litchfield, Minn.). Facing a relentless MSOE attack that peppered the Beloit net with 37 shots throughout the afternoon, Quast was instrumental in keeping the game within reach.
After allowing a single goal in the first period, Quast stood tall in the second, turning away 12 shots as the Buccaneers' defensive unit worked overtime to weather the storm. Her performance allowed Beloit to stay competitive while their offense searched for a rhythm against the Raiders' defense.
The momentum shifted significantly in the final frame. After MSOE extended their lead to 4-0 early in the third, the Buccaneers refused to go quietly. The turning point came at the 14:00 mark of the third period during a Beloit power play.
Following disciplined puck movement, Makenzee Kostiuk (Thunder Bay, Ontario) and Addison Gruhlke (Eau Claire, Wis.) orchestrated a brilliant sequence that found Madi Hoffman (Madison, Wis.) in position. Hoffman fired the puck home for her second goal of the season, igniting the home bench and cutting into the Raiders' lead. This goal rewarded a Beloit power-play unit that finished the day 1-for-3, proving they could capitalize when given the opportunity.
Beyond the scoring, a few Buccaneers put up gritty performances that defined the team's effort. A force in the faceoff circle, Rachel Fussy (Mahtomedi, Minn.) was nearly untouchable, winning 11 of her 15 draws (73.3%). Her ability to win possession was a primary driver for the Buccaneers' offensive zone time. A defensive anchor, Natalie Gurr (Okotoks, Alberta, Canada) led the team with 3 blocked shots, sacrificing her body to disrupt the Raiders' shooting lanes.
The Bucs return to the ice next Friday, January 9th when they head to Mequon and Concordia-Wisconsin. Puck drop is set for 6:30 pm from the Ozaukee Ice Center.
