DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque women's hockey team faced Aurora University in the Mississippi Match-Up Championship. After a tough match, the Spartans fell 4-1 to Aurora with Natalie Meeder tying the single-season goals record. 

The first period started with Natalie Meeder getting the first shot of the game, which was saved at 1:27. Aurora opened the scoring to take a 1-0 lead at the two-minute mark of the first period. Despite falling behind early, the Spartans rallied and got multiple shots towards the goal, which were saved and blocked. That was until the final 15 seconds, when Malia Tetreault found Natalie Meeder, who took the puck up the ice. Meeder swerved in front of the last defender and weaved around the keeper to bury the shot and even the score at 1-1 before the second period. 

The last two periods of the game went to Aurora as they scored three goals to pull away. The Spartans had good looks throughout the final periods to get right back into the match, but the puck did not fall their way. The best chance was a shot from Natalie Meeder that hit the inside of the pipe, but unfortunately bounced out. At the end of the match, the Spartans fell 4-1 to Aurora. 

Natalie Meeder led the team with a goal, tying the program record for most goals in a single season with seven this year. Malia Tetreault picked up her fourth assist of the year. Zoe Cupples and Ashleigh Eldridge each went 4-6 on faceoffs, with Natalie Post winning 10 faceoffs. 

Up Next
The Spartans will play on home ice at ImOn Arena for a third straight match. The opponent will be Concordia University, which is currently receiving votes for a spot in the top 15 of Division III. The first of a two-game series is set for Friday, December 5, at 2:00 p.m.