EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – The UW-Stevens Point women's hockey team (8-9-1, 2-4-0) dropped the opening of game its season series with No. 8 UW-Eau Claire (14-3-1, 6-1-0) by a 6-1 final on Saturday afternoon.
 
The Blugolds scored just one goal in the first period despite out-shooting the Pointers 17-4 in the opening frame. UWEC put up two early goals in the second period to extend the lead to 3-0.
 
Late in the second period, Katie Stanius (Forest Lake, Minn./Forest Lake) scored her first goal of the season at the 18:46 mark. Josie Bender (Green Bay, Wis./Bay Port) and Laina Berthiaume (South Haven, Minn./Hutchinson) added assists.
 
UWEC added three goals in the third period to complete the scoring.
 
UWSP goaltender Olivia Schultz (Maplewood, Minn./Tartan) had 47 saves. UWEC goaltender Stephanie Martin was credited with just five saves.
 
The Pointers and Blugolds continue the season series on Friday (Jan. 27) at K.B. Willett Arena. Puck drop is at 7:00 p.m.