RIVER FALLS, Wis. – The No. 1-ranked UW-River Falls women's hockey team earned a decisive 8-0 win during the inaugural matchup against Beloit College Wednesday night at Hunt Arena.

The Falcons, now 8-1 overall, outshot the Buccaneers 75-5 during their third shutout win of the season. Sophia Hess and Megan Goodreau led the Falcons with five points each, including Hess' first career hat-trick. In addition, Brooklyn Riley and Amanda Smythe scored their first goals as Falcons.

Kailey Niccum put the Falcons on the board at 5:42 of the first period, converting an outlet pass on the rush from MaKenna Aure for what stood as the game-winner. From there, UWRF controlled every facet of play, outshooting the Buccaneers 19-1 in the opening frame.

UWRF broke the game open in the second period with four goals, including a power play strike from Riley at 3:15. Sophia Hess added two even-strength tallies in the frame and Goodreau capped the surge with a power play goal to go up 5-0 heading into the third period.

Izzy Stephes extended the lead to 6-0 with the first of three third-period goals. Hess completed her hat trick less than two minutes later and Smythe added the final goal with 42 seconds remaining in regulation.

Goaltender Anna Rader earned the shutout with five saves in her first start of the season, her second career shutout.

UWRF won 35 of 47 faceoffs, highlighted by Hess's 13-1 mark in the circle. The Falcons return to action next Saturday, Dec. 13, hosting St. Norbert College.