FOND DU LAC, WI – In a contest defined by defensive grit and a late-game offensive surge, the Beloit College Buccaneers (2-19-0, 0-8-0 WIAC) showcased their resilience on this afternoon at the Blue Line Family Ice Center. Despite a persistent offensive effort in the final frame, the Buccaneers ultimately fell to Marian University (11-10-0, 7-7-0 NCHA) by a score of 4-1.
From the opening puck drop, Beloit goaltender Janelle Quast (Litchfield, Minn.) was the focal point of the Buccaneers' defensive stand. Facing a relentless Sabres attack that produced 14 shots in the first period alone, Quast turned away 13 of them, providing her team with the stability needed to weather the early storm.
Marian managed to find the back of the net midway through the first, but Beloit's disciplined defensive structure prevented the game from sliding away early. The Buccaneers entered the first intermission trailing by only one, thanks largely to Quast's composure between the pipes.
The second period saw the game's most dramatic swing in momentum. After Marian extended their lead to 3-0 with goals at the 05:59 and 13:34 marks, it appeared the Sabres might run away with the contest. However, Beloit responded with the heart that has defined their season.
Just 50 seconds after Marian's third goal, the Buccaneers' top line went to work. Britni Detsch (Somerset, Wis.) and Natasha Ludwig (Royalton) combined on a brilliant sequence to find Madi Hoffman (Madison, Wis.), who fired a shot past Marian's Emily Fuchs at the 14:24 mark. Hoffman's third goal of the season didn't just put Beloit on the board—it completely shifted the energy of the game. The Buccaneers finished the period with increased physicality and puck possession, signaling a comeback attempt was brewing.
Entering the third period trailing 3-1, Beloit unleashed their most aggressive offensive performance of the afternoon. The Buccaneers outpaced their previous shot totals, peppering the Marian net with 12 shots in the final 20 minutes.
Beloit's special teams units also stepped up, earning three power-play opportunities in the third period. Players like Kylie Schryer (Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario) (3 shots) and Makenzee Kostiuk (Thunder Bay, Ontario) (3 shots) were instrumental in maintaining zone pressure. The Buccaneers dominated the faceoff circle in key moments as well, with Addison Gruhlke (Eau Claire, Wis.) winning an impressive 80% of her draws (4-for-5) to keep the pressure on the Sabres' defense.
Despite the heavy volume of shots and several near-misses in front of the net, Marian's Zowie Hunter managed to net her second goal of the game at 12:58 to push the lead to 4-1, effectively stalling Beloit's late-game heroics.
The Buccaneers return to WIAC action on February 13th and 14th at UW-Eau Claire. Puck drop for Friday is 7 pm while Saturday is 2 pm. Both games will be played at Hobbs Ice Arena.
