Box Score Freshmen
Leah Gefroh (Bloomington, MN) and
Chloe Kinsel (West St. Paul, MN, Cretin-Derham Hall HS) both scored their first collegiate goals to help River Falls win 4-3. This was the season opener for the Falcons as they hosted NCHA opponent Adrian College who came into the game 2-0 on the season.
The first period was a physical battle as both teams had four penalties a piece. It was
Katie Batters (Champlin, MN, Champlin Park HS) getting the first goal for the Falcons with a powerplay goal at 9:36 into the game off the assist by
Brook Story (Warroad, MN, Warroad HS) and
Sam Greeley (Woodbury, MN, Woodbury HS). Adrian answered at 15:36 into the period off a shorthand goal by Lauren Turner.
The second period was an even battle with both teams pouring in shots on goal. At 12:09 into the second, Gefroh scored her first collegiate goal off the assist by
Alyssa Jackson (Cambridge, MN, Cambridge-Isanti HS) and
Dani Buehrer (Lakeville, MN, South HS). Adrian answered fast at 14:09 into the period with a powerplay goal by Sarah Connelly. Both goalies played strong in the period. UWRF goalie
Ashley Kuechle (Saskatoon, SASK, Battleford Sharks) made 11 saves in the first two periods to hold Adrian to only two goals up to that point.
The tight battle continued throughout the third period. Kinsel helped the Falcons with a go ahead goal at 8:18 into the period. She was assisted by
Alice Cranston (River Falls, WI, St. Croix Valley Fusion) and
Alyssa Black (Mankato, MN, West HS). Less than a minute later at 8:53 into the period Batters added her second goal of the game off the assist by
Crysta Lowell (White Bear Lake, MN, White Bear Lake HS).
Late in the game Adrian had powerplay opportunities despite strong play from Kuechle. She did not allow a goal during Adrian's five-on-three chance. However, Adrian was able to score a powerplay goal at 15:27 into the period. That would be the last goal of the game as UWRF held Adrian off to get the win.
Both teams played physically as they combined for 17 penalties. Adrian's special teams played strong as they had a short-handed goal and went 2-4 on powerplays. The Falcons went 1-5 on power plays.
River Falls out shot Adrian 44-20 in the game. Kuechle finished the game with 17 saves. Adrian goalie Brittany Zeches finished with 40 saves.
These two teams will play again tomorrow afternoon with the puck set to drop at 2:05 p.m. at Hunt Arena.
Box Score
