The undefeated Falcon women entered Saturday night's matchup against the Pointers with the intention to keep their perfect streak alive. Not only would they succeed, but Falcon Head Coach Joe Cranston would also receive his 200th career win in the 7-2 rout the WIAC foes.
Starting at goaltender for UW- River Falls was Ashley Kuechle (Saskatoon, SASK, Battleford Sharks). Kuechle received her third start of the season, as she has been switching off starts with Melissa Deardorff (Anchorage, AK, Anchorage North Stars). Both goaltenders have been lights out, allowing their team to remain undefeated thus far.
Scoring the first goal of the night was Falcon Judy Daleiden (Blaine, MN, Blaine HS) at 13:39 in the first period. Daleiden's score came unassisted on an even strength chance.
The Falcons went on to record back-to-back unassisted goals when Crysta Lowell (White Bear Lake, MN, White Bear Lake HS) hit the back of the net for the second night in a row. The official time of Lowell's goal was 18:32.
Ariel Novak was cited with a crucial checking penalty at 10:24 in the second period, as the Falcons were able to capitalize on the chance and net their first power play goal of the game. Putting the Falcons up by 3 scores, with her second of the night, was Daleiden. Assisting Daleiden on the score was Kait Mason (Eagan, MN, Eagan HS).
The Falcons had just begun to pour it on, as Alice Cranston (River Falls, WI, St. Croix Valley HS) hit the back of the net at 11:09. Assisting the impressive freshman and River Falls native on the score was Alyssa Black (Mankato, MN, West HS) and Bre Drude (North St. Paul, MN, North St. Paul HS).
Darion Bruyere (Sagkeeng First Nation, MAN, Pursuit of Excellence Hockey Academy) went on to score her own unassisted goal of the afternoon at 17:57 in the second period, giving the Falcons a five goal lead as the second period expired.
The Pointers refused to be blanked in front of their own fans despite the deficit, and came out strong in the third period. Hannah Smith was able to break Kuechle's shutout at just 2:08 in the second period with a well placed shot on net. Assisting Smith on the score was teammates Erin Marvin and Allie Tanzer.
Black, on top of recording an assist in the second period, went on to score the third unassisted Falcon goal of the afternoon at 5:50 in the third.
The Pointers battled hard for the entire game despite the deficit. Their efforts came to fruition at 7:26 on the stick of Ava Plamondon as she scored the second Pointer goal of the night. Michelle Lunneborg was granted the assist.
The Falcons scored the most goals that they have all season when Katie Batters (Champlin, MN, Champlin Park HS) nailed a perfectly placed shot on goal at 10:09. The goal proved to be nothing more than salt in the wounds of the Pointers, as the game expired with the Falcons on top 7-2.
The Falcon women will be hosting St. Olaf College in their next matchup on Tuesday afternoon. The Falcons have never been defeated by St. Olaf, and look to keep their record alive. The puck is set to drop at 7:05 p.m.
