DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque women's hockey team faced Beloit College on Senior Day Friday afternoon. Four Spartan Seniors were honored: Madilynn Schiile, Zoe Cupples, Gracie Hall and Kara Zelyck. The Spartans battled to the end with the Buccaneers, but dropped to Beloit in a 6-2 match. 

The first period of the game was a close-fought battle between the Spartans and Buccaneers. Zelyck made eight saves in the opening period, unlucky to have one slip by on a quick break down the ice. The goal did not deter the Spartans from trying to get back into the game, as they put eight shots on goal, with Alexandria Simmons firing off two strong shots of the eight in the opening 20 minutes. 

Jumping into the second period, the Spartans looked to make the best of the game with five shots, forcing the Buccaneers' goalkeeper to be uncomfortable in the opening six minutes. Natalie Meeder put four strong shots on goal in the second period, putting the Buccaneers' defense on edge when she was on the ice.

In the third period, it was Malia Tetreault who opened UD's account for the game, marking her sixth goal of the year. In the final second of the game, Dani Denhof beat the Buccaneers' goalkeeper and scored her second goal of the season. Despite a late deficit, the Spartans did not stop fighting until the end, scoring even in the final second in a 6-2 loss to Beloit. 

Malia Tetreault and Dani Denhof led the team with the two goals between the two. Natalie Meeder threatened the goal the whole game with eight shots on target, and Alexandria Simmons had six shots on target. Meeder led the team in faceoffs, winning 12 of 22 inside the circle. Kara Zelyck made 23 saves in goal for the Spartans. 

Up Next
The Spartans will hit the road for the first time since November, traveling to St. Cloud, Minn. They will face the College of Saint Benedict on January 9 at 6:00 p.m. at Ritsche Arena for the first of two games in a weekend series.