STEVENS POINT, Wis. – Sophomore Dani Heitsman (Janesville, Wis./Rock County Fury) scored the game-winner late in the third period as the UW-Stevens Point women's hockey team (9-11-6) earned a 3-1 win over Northland (6-18-2) in the WIAC Championship (presented by Culver's) first round on Tuesday.
 
Heitsman's game winner was her second of the game.  She put UWSP in front in the first period at the 12:50 mark on an assist from Sophie Regovic (Naperville, Ill./Chicago Mission).
 
UWSP's lead was short-lived as the Lumberjills scored to tie the game at 1-1 less than three minutes later.
 
The game remained tied until the 16:01 mark of the third.  Heitsman ripped a shot into the back of the net to give the Pointers a 2-1 lead.  Kiley Hahner (Wausau, Wis./West) picked up an assist on the play.
 
Senior Alex Grubbs (Minong, Wis./Spooner) gave UWSP a two-goal lead at the 18:37 mark of the third.  Cassie Newcomer (McFarland, Wis./Madison Capitols) got an assist on the goal.
 
Olivia Schultz (Maplewood, Minn./Tartan) made 18 saves in the win for the Pointers. NC goaltender Gabby Suhr had 43 saves.
 
The Pointers advance to the semifinals at UW-Eau Claire.  Game one is Friday (Feb. 28) at 3:00 p.m. with game two slated for Saturday (Feb. 29) at 2:00 p.m.