LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Special teams played a large role in the outcome of Saturday afternoon's matchup, as the No. 5-ranked Elmira College women's ice hockey team came up short by a 2-0 final score to No. 6-ranked University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. With today's result, the Soaring Eagles dropped to 5-2-0 on the year, while the Bluegolds improved to 8-1-1.
 
It was a penalty-laden game, with both teams whistled for eight infractions and 16 penalty minutes each. Elmira came up empty on seven power-play chances, while Wisconsin-Eau Claire cashed in on 2-of-7 power-play opportunities.
 
Shots on goal were far and few between this afternoon, as Wisconsin-Eau Claire held a 20-10 lead on Elmira. The Soaring Eagles placed six shots on goal in the first period, but were held to just four over the next two. The Bluegolds opened the first period with 11 shots on goal, added seven more in the second stanza and then just two in the final frame.
 
Emily Bauer opened the scoring with a power-play goal on the Bluegolds' first extra-skater chance at 11:17 of the first period. Hannah Zavoral and Ella Ierino were credited with assists on the goal. Elmira had two power-play chances at the end of the first frame, but were unable to find the back of the net.
 
A total of eight penalties were called in the second period, five on Elmira and three on Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Elmira's third penalty of the period setup the Bluegolds' second goal, which came from the blade of Zavoral at the 13:06 mark. Emma Peterson and Bauer picked up assists on the insurance goal.
 
In the third period, Elmira went on the power play twice, while the Bluegolds had one extra-skater opportunity. However, despite the extra offensive threat, only five shots were taken between the two teams. Neither side was able to find the back of the net, even when Elmira pulled starting goaltender Stephanie Martin '22 from net for the final 1:37 of regulation, as Wisconsin-Eau Claire escaped with a 2-0 victory.
 
Martin, who made her fourth start of the season, finished with 18 saves in 58:23 of action between the pipes.
 
News and Notes

• Today marked the first-ever meeting between Elmira and Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
• Wisconsin-Eau Claire was Elmira's first nationally-ranked opponent of the season.
• With 18 saves, Martin's save total this season increased to 77.

Up Next
Elmira returns to action this Saturday, December 7, when the Soaring Eagles welcome the Mammoths of Amherst College to the Murray Athletic Center for a 3:00 p.m. non-conference showdown.