DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque women's hockey team faced off with Lake Forest College on Friday afternoon. The Spartans struck first, but ultimately fell 3-1 to the Foresters.

The first period was a tough battle with both teams coming out with a 0-0 score heading into the break. Similar to the first period, the second period was a battle, but the Spartans broke the deadlock in the final minute. Natalie Post got the puck right in front of the goal, where she struck it past the goalkeeper on the assist from Asta Griggs and Ashleigh Eldridge. The goal was Natalie Post's first career goal with the Spartans.

The Third period did not fall the Spartans' way as the Foresters scored three goals to capture the game 3-1. Despite the result, the Spartans kept fighting, nearly finding a second goal as shots by Alexandria Simmons and Natalie Meeder were saved, and Zoe Cupples had a great chance that just narrowly hit off the pipe.

The Spartans were led by goal scorer Natalie Post, who also had four shots on goal and went 9 of 12 in faceoffs. Madilynn Schiile and Natalie Meeder each led the team with five shots on goal. Asta Griggs and Ashleigh Eldridge each got an assist. Alexandria Simmons and Meeder each had two blocked shots. Emily Skanron had 44 saves in goal, shutting out the Foresters in the first two periods.

Up Next
The Spartans will remain at ImOn Arena for the second game of the two-game series with Lake Forest. The game is on Saturday, January 31, at 2:00 p.m.