DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubque women's hockey team fought in a tough game against Concordia University Saturday afternoon. It was an offensive display with 11 goals scored between the Spartans and Falcons, with UD coming up just short in a 6-5 loss.

The first period was a goal-fest with five goals scored in the opening 18 minutes. It was Concordia that struck first with a goal in the third minute of the game. It did not take long for the Spartans to respond, with Ashleigh Eldridge receiving the puck in the attacking zone, pushing to the goal, and going to the left of the goalkeeper to even the score, assisted by Zoe Cupples and Natalie Post. The Falcons made it 2-1 in the ninth minute, but it took only 19 seconds for Dani Denhof to make it 2-2 on the assist from Natalie Meeder. On a power play to close the period, the Spartans took the lead on an Ava Dedrick goal, with the assists coming from Sophia Hoover and Alexandria Simmons.

With a late penalty on Concordia to close the first period, the Spartans entered period two with an advantage on the ice. With the benefit of more skaters, Malia Tetreault was able to strike with power to increase the lead to 4-2, assisted by Grace Ronan and Dani Denhof. The Falcons evened the score with two power plays before making it 5-4 to close the second period.

After a back-and-forth first eight minutes of the third period, Natalie Meeder weaved her way through two defenders and put the puck past the keeper to make the score 5-5. To close the high-scoring affair between the Spartans and Falcons, it was Concordia that made it 6-5 at the end of the game.

Five different Spartans led the way with one goal each: Ashleigh Eldridge, Dani Denhof, Malia Tetreault, Ava Dedrick and Natalie Meeder. Denhof and Tetreault also each had one assist. Alexandria Simmons, Natalie Post, Zoe Cupples, Sophia Hoover and Grace Ronan each had one assist.

On the defensive side, Madigan Depuydt led the team with four blocks, with Bree Hallson and Alexandria Simmons each getting two. In goal, Molly Jex made 48 saves.

Up Next
UD will be back in action in January, facing first-year program Beloit College for the Spartans' Senior Night. The game is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 2, at ImOn Arena.