Chippewa Valley Times

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's hockey team secured a victory against No. 9 UW-Stevens Point in the first game of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Tournament semifinal series. The match, held at K.B. Willett Arena on Friday, ended with a score of 4-3 in favor of UW-Eau Claire.

UW-Eau Claire took an early lead with three consecutive goals before UW-Stevens Point managed to level the score. However, it was Leo Bacallao who scored the decisive goal for UW-Eau Claire in the third period.

Tyler Herzberg opened the scoring for UW-Eau Claire early in the second period with an unassisted goal. Shortly after, Bacallao increased their lead with a goal assisted by Herzberg and Kade Peterson. Max Dronen added another goal for UW-Eau Claire later in the second period, assisted by Dayne Hoyord and Peterson.

UW-Stevens Point responded with a goal late in the second period and two more goals within 12 minutes into the third period to tie the game at 3-3. Bacallao's winning goal came off an assist from Connor Thompson with just over five minutes left on the clock.

Ethan Roberts made 18 saves for UW-Eau Claire as they out-shot their opponents 39-21.

The series will continue with Game 2 scheduled for Saturday, March 1, in Stevens Point at 7 p.m.