DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque women's hockey team took on Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) Friday night in the Mississippi Match-Up Tournament. The Spartans started their home tournament on a positive note, holding on late to capture a 4-3 victory and advance to the Championship game.
The Spartans got off to a fantastic start against MSOE. Taking advantage of a first-minute power play, Alexandria Simmons picked out Natalie Meeder, who powered the puck past the goalkeeper to make it 1-0. UD were in total control, and they capitalized on this momentum with Malia Tetreault receiving the puck in space on a quick counter-attack from Bree Hallson, who picked it up from Peighton Walker. Tetreault took the shot, giving the goalkeeper no chance as she made it a 2-0 game within seven minutes.
Starting the second period the same as the first, the Spartans got an early goal in the fifth minute. Natalie Meeder started the play to put the Spartans up 3-0, passing the puck to Peighton Walker, who then struck it towards goal, where Malia Tetreault picked it up and snuck the puck into the back of the net. The offense was on a roll and with 10 minutes played it was Peighton Walker laying the puck off to Grace Ronan, who forced a save that led to Natalie Meeder finder her second goal of the night, and the Spartans went up 4-0. Before the end of the period, the Raiders scored to make it 4-1.
The third period turned into a fight as the MSOE scored twice to bring the game within one goal. With a strong defensive performance late, the Spartans held on to their lead and won the game 4-3, advancing to the Championship match.
Natalie Meeder led the way on the night for the Spartans with two goals and an assist. Malia Tetreault scored twice to bring her season total up to four goals. Peighton Walker had a big night with three assists on the Spartans' last three goals. Alexandria Simmons and Grace Ronan each registered an assist.
Up Next
The Spartans advanced to the Championship game of the Mississippi Match-Up, where they will take on the Aurora Spartans on Saturday, November 29. The game will take place at ImOn Arena, with the puck drop scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
