RIVER FALLS, Wis. - The top-ranked UW-River Falls women's hockey team erased a three-goal deficit with four goals in the third period to defeat No. 2-ranked Gustavus Adolphus College Tuesday evening at Hunt Arena.
The Falcons, down 3-0 late in the second period, responded with five unanswered goals, including three goals in six minutes as
Bailey Olson scored the game-winner at 16:28 of the third period. The win extends UWRF's unbeaten streak to 35 games, tying a NCAA Division III record set by Plattsburgh State from 2006-07.
Gustavus opened the scoring 13 minutes into regulation and led by a goal after the first period. In the middle frame, the Gusties extended their lead to 2-0 at 10:59 of the second period, forcing a Falcon turnover and Brooke Power executed a 2-on-1 chance. Four minutes later the Gusties scored again with a power play goal but soon after, UWRF broke the shutout with a power goal of its own as
MaKenna Aure scored her third of the season to trim the Gustavus lead to 3-1 heading into the final 20 minutes.
At the midway point of the third period, a
Madison Lavergne breakout pass sprung
Katherine Bell who went to her backhand on the left wing and scored past Gustie goaltender Maya Marston. Then in under a minute span, the Falcons scored two breakaway goals to tie the game and take the lead.
Twice an outlet pass from defender
Sami Pool found Falcons
Ellie Brice and
Bailey Olson open for breakaway goals, and the Falcons led 4-3 with just over three minutes left in regulation. Gustavus pulled its goalie late and UWRF's
Kylie Jones scored an empty net goal for her first collegiate goal, sealing the win for the home team.
Jordan O'Kane made 22 saves in net to earn the win, improving her record to 3-0-1 on the season.
Gustavus held a narrow edge in shots on goal, 25-23, while UWRF led 27-24 in faceoffs.
UWRF, now 3-0-1 overall, heads into its WIAC schedule this weekend, hosting UW-Stevens Point on Friday before traveling to Northland College Saturday afternoon.
