Wisconsin-Superior Hockey and Basketball Teams Face Tough Losses

The Wisconsin-Superior men’s hockey team suffered a heartbreaking defeat in overtime on January 25, 2024, as they were edged out by Wisconsin-River Falls, losing 3-2. This loss marked the second game of a weekend series, with UWS unable to recover from a previous 5-3 defeat to the same opponent. The two losses leave UWS with a current record of 11-7-1 overall and 4-5-0 in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC).

In a tightly contested game, UWS initially took the lead with two first-period goals. Logan Nickerson found the net just 1:51 into the match, followed by a dramatic goal from Justin Dauphinais, who scored with only 0.8 seconds left in the first period. Despite this strong start, Wisconsin-River Falls rallied back. Keenan Ingram scored both the equalizer and the game-winner, with the tying goal coming midway through the second period and the decisive goal in overtime just 1:35 into the extra period. UWS goalkeeper Jan Skorpik made an impressive 36 saves during the game.

The previous day, UWS had started strong as well. Blake Setter opened the scoring just 1:13 into the contest. However, River Falls quickly countered, tying the game within a minute and then scoring two additional goals in the first period. Although UWS managed to score twice more, with goals from Alexey Yarmulnik and Daniel Roszival, they could not overcome the deficit. In that game, UWS utilized two goalkeepers, with Jack Boschert making 10 saves before being replaced by Kobe Grant, who added 24 saves.

Women’s Hockey and Basketball Teams Struggle

The Wisconsin-Superior women’s hockey team also faced a challenging weekend, suffering two losses against Wisconsin-Eau Claire. On January 25, they narrowly lost 4-3, with the Blugolds scoring the game-winning goal with just 48.1 seconds left in the match. UWS’s Avery Olenik shone in this game, scoring two goals, including a power-play equalizer late in the third period. Despite Olenik’s efforts, Madisyn Krumholz’s game-winner proved decisive for Eau Claire.

The following day, UWS was unable to score against Eau Claire, falling 5-0. The Yellowjackets were outshot 40-24, with Jayda Moyer making 36 saves in a valiant effort. UWS has struggled throughout the season, now sitting at 1-18-1 overall and 1-6-0 in the WIAC.

In men’s basketball, the Yellowjackets came close but ultimately fell short against Minnesota Morris, losing 80-78 on January 24. UWS managed to score a late three-pointer from Nick Nordaune to narrow the gap, but could not secure a win in the final moments. Gage Braiedy led the team with 16 points off the bench, while Nordaune contributed 13 points. Despite a strong second half where UWS shot 56% from the floor, they faced challenges at the free-throw line, with Morris earning 24 attempts compared to UWS’s 11.

The women’s basketball team also struggled, losing 59-48 to Minnesota Morris. The Yellowjackets had a particularly tough third quarter, scoring only one point. Hope Carlson led UWS with 14 points and nine rebounds, while MyKenzie Leccia added another 10 points. UWS’s record now stands at 6-12 overall and 3-2 in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC).

As the teams regroup, UWS will host Wisconsin-Eau Claire in a two-game series starting January 30-31 for the men’s hockey team, while the women’s hockey team will face Wisconsin-River Falls on January 31. The basketball teams will also look to bounce back during their upcoming home games against Crown on January 28.