DUBUQUE, Iowa - Saturday afternoon the University of Dubuque Spartans celebrated another milestone in their inaugural season. Sarah Parker, Olivia Hodges, and Cassidy Becia took the ice one last time at ImOn Arena as they were honored at Senior Day. The Spartans and Foresters were locked into a competitive low scoring game in which the Spartans fell 2-1.

To open up the game Chloe Byma recorded the first shot on goal but was saved by the Foresters goal keeper. At the end of the first period the score was even at 0-0. In goal for the Spartans, the nation's Division III leader in saves, Savannah Wuitschick posted a 100% save percentage in the period with 19 saves. 

About halfway through the second period neither team had found the back of the net until the Foresters struck with the game's first goal at 12:31 of the second. The Spartans had two opportunities on the power play but were unable to capitalize as the Spartans trailed 1-0 heading into the final period of play. 

The Foresters extended their lead with a goal at 5:25 of the third period. After a few minutes the Spartans went back on the offensive attack. At 13:33 the Spartans cut the deficit in half as Byma scored her first collegiate goal off an assist from Libby Plath. The momentum shifted back to the Spartans as they went on another power play but the Foresters successfully killed the penalty. With 14 seconds remaining the Spartans pulled the goal keeper but were unable to get a shot off as the Spartans lost 2-1.

In total the Spartans ripped off 20 shots on goal. Byma led the way with five shots, while Lauren Jeffery had three and multiple Spartans had two. Byma finished with 15 faceoff wins while Hodes recorded 11 wins. Defensively the Spartans had 15 blocked shots as Parker led with four, followed by Hodges, Jeffery, and Arwen Sims with three each. Wuitschick posted 43 saves (19, 10, 14) in the loss. 

Up Next
The Spartans will have a quick turnaround as they play at Aurora University in a non-conference game on Monday, February 5th. The game is scheduled to start at 3:00 p.m.