BETWEEN THE PIPES

Falcons beat Gusties 2-1, advance to Frozen Four

Posted on Mar 14, 2009

The No. 1 ranked team in the nation is out and the UW-River Falls Falcons will spend the latter of their spring break in the state of Vermont.

UWRF defeated Gustavus Adolphus College 2-1 in front of 821 in attendance at Don Roberts Ice Rink. With the win, UWRF will play Elmira College (N.Y.) in the Frozen Four on the Middlebury College (Vt.) campus at 2:30 p.m. local time.

Cassi Campbell continued to be the rock for the Falcons in the win as she stopped 35 shots from the Gusties and 18 of those came in the first period. UWRF was outhsot 36-20 for the game, but Campbell was sensational again in the biggest game of the season.

It was Stefanie Schmitz who opened the scoring 20 seconds into the second period, her 14th this year. It was the first goal Gustavus allowed in seven games.

Jessica Thompson, who led the NCHA in points this season, assisted on the play, her 22nd of the season.

Midway through the second Gustie forward Lynn Hillen tied the game as she was able to get a shot past Campbell.

On the power play, UWRF defensemen Kayleigh Bell scored her 7th of the season with 8 minutes, 30 seconds to play in regulation.

Thompson was whistled for a tripping penalty shortly after, but UWRF was able to kill off the penalty. The Falcons yielded only one shot on that penalty.

With 1 minute, 12 seconds to play, the Gusties pulled their goalie for the extra attacker.

The Falcons now tied a school record with 20 wins on the season and will play in at least two more games next weekend.

In the other national semifinal, Middlebury will play Amherst College (Mass.) in the nightcapper on March 20. Amherst beat Plattsburgh State (N.Y.) 4-1 to advance.

More to come on Sunday after talks with Head Coach Joe Cranston and several players. A story might go up on the Web version of the Student Voice later this week as well.

Be sure to check back on Sunday for more input and insight.