AURORA, Ill. - After 20 days since the University of Dubuque women's ice hockey team has suited up, they took the ice against Aurora University Spartans. The Spartans lone goal of the night came off the stick of Samantha Eldridge in second period as the University of Dubuque Spartans were defeated 9-1.

Aurora struck first with a goal six minutes into the period. In the final minute of the first period Aurora tacked on another goal as the Spartans were down 2-0 after twenty minutes of play. At 15:28 in the second period, Eldridge scored her first collegiate goal assisted by Cassidy Becia and Chloe Byma. Through two periods of play the Spartans trailed 4-1. 

The Spartans committed three penalties in the third period which allowed Aurora to capitalize on the power play netting three goals. As the final horn sounded the Spartans fell 9-1.

Defensively the Spartans were active on the ice as they blocked 27 shots. Sarah Parker led the way with nine blocked shots while Ava Dedrick and Lauren Jeffery had four each. Through 55 minutes of play, goalkeeper Savannah Wuitschick recorded a career high 70 saves in the lost. Natalie Preston saw the remaining time in goal and nabbed her first eight saves of the season. 

The Spartans are now 2-4 overall and 2-3 in conference.

Up Next
The Spartans will gear up for round two against Aurora tomorrow afternoon. The game is scheduled to start at 3:00 p.m.