Soaring Eagles Fall in NCAA Quarterfinals
Posted: Mar 25, 2025

Soaring Eagles Fall in NCAA Quarterfinals

Release and photograph courtesy of Elmira College Athletics Communications

RIVER FALLS, WIS. – Hopes of returning to the NCAA DIII Women's Ice Hockey Final Four were dashed for the Elmira College Soaring Eagles on Saturday, as the Purple & Gold dropped a 4-1 decision against No. 1 UW-River Falls inside Hunt Arena.

Saturday's appearance in the NCAA Quarterfinals was the 16th in program history for the Soaring Eagles, while it was Elmira's 19th overall appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
 

JUST THE BASICS:
SCORE: Elmira 1, No. 1 UW-River Falls 4
LOCATION: River Falls, Wisconsin | Hunt Arena
TEAM RECORDS: Elmira (21-8-1), No. 1 UW-River Falls (24-3-2)


HOW IT HAPPENED:

  • The Falcons opened the scoring at the 17:56 mark of the first period, as a shot from the point would make its way through traffic and elude Elmira goaltender Sara Sevcikova.
  • Elmira would get its lone powerplay of the contest in the first period after Erika Goleniak was tripped while entering the zone off a rush. The Soaring Eagles generated pressure but would be unable to find the back of the net.
  • River Falls added to its lead at the 10:45 mark of the second period as Bailey Olson found the back of the net off a turnover in the offensive zone to make it 2-0.
  • The Falcons would get chances on the power play in the third period, as they would convert on their first opportunity at the 5:48 mark to make it 3-0. River Falls also converted on its third powerplay chance to close the scoring at the 17:48 mark.
  • Erika Goleniak netted her team-leading 18th goal of the season for the Soaring Eagles at the 9:02 mark of the third period, as Anna Lugge was credited with the assist for EC.
  • Goleniak notched her 40th point of the season with her goal in the third period and became the first EC skater to reach the 40-point mark since Morgan Mordini during the 2021-22 season.
  • Sevcikova was credited with 39 saves in the contest as she saw her streak of eight straight wins come to an end. Elmira finished with 13 blocked shots in the contest, as Sophie Gregory notched three, while McKenzie Schmidt and Bri Conger each added two.