Women’s hockey team ends regular season with win against UW-Superior

The women’s hockey team took on visiting UW-Superior with plans of sweeping the Yellowjackets and clinching the regular season title.

However, UW-Superior had a different idea.

In Saturday’s game, the Falcons lost 4-3 after having fought back from a 2-0 deficit. Jenna Scanlon, Jennifer Wallace and Cassie LaBlanc all scored in the loss.

There was no scoring in that game until early into the second period.

“Saturday’s game was a very up and down game,” freshman Stefanie Schmitz said. “We had a good first and third period but in the second we let down and Superior got a couple quick goals. Then, in the third period, we crashed the net and scored two quick goals to make the score 4-3, but we just couldn’t get another goal.”

Sunday’s game was a different story, however. The Yellowjackets took the early 1-0 lead, but the Falcons fought back to take the 2-1 lead after the first period.

River Falls and Superior added more goals in the second period and finished the period with a 4-2 score.

Sunday’s matchup was the final regular season home game for seniors Wallace and Amber Lindner.

The Falcons finished the regular season with a record of 14-7-4 and a 9-4-2 conference record.

Throughout the season, Lindner said she thought the Falcons improved greatly.

“We have played very well throughout the season. Sunday’s game showed that we have come a long way,” she said. “Our backs were up against the wall and we came out and had a great game.”

The Falcons are currently sitting on a two-point lead over UW-Superior in the standings. Superior plays conference foe Lake Forest Friday and Saturday, and the pairings for the playoffs will be determined after this weekend’s matchups.

“The hardest part of the season, I think, has been our small roster,” Wallace said. “Some of the intense games can get really tiring. I also think it has helped our team chemistry to become close and really got us moving the puck. We want to get the puck up the ice and we have been passing a lot more.”

The NCHA playoffs are scheduled to take place March 2-4.

“The best moment of the season was when we played Superior at their rink,” Kelly Jensen said. “We took a timeout and our head coach Joe Cranston told us ‘This is your game, this is your season.’ From that moment forward we have played as though it is our season. We all believe in one another and want to hang a banner so badly.”