After a scoreless first period, an unassisted goal by Tommie forward Estee Frantz sparked the No. 1 St. Thomas women’s hockey team to a 4-3 comeback victory over No. 8 Wis.-Eau Claire Saturday afternoon at the St. Thomas Ice Arena.

The victory over the Blugolds put the Tommies into the NCAA Division III semifinal game.

This was the first time the teams played each other in the 2018-2019 season, with the Blugolds (21-5-2)coming into the match with 12 wins in their last 13 games.

The Blugolds outshot the Tommies (24-1-2) 13-6 in the first period.

After Frantz’s goal in the second period, the Tommies led for a short time until penalties became a recurring issue.

Blugold forward Elizabeth Bauer scored off a power play and defender Holly Turnball scored off another with two minutes remaining in the second period, giving the Blugolds a 2-1 lead going into the third.

A minute into the third period Blugold forward Emily Bauer scored off a rebound, but the goal was reversed after a dispute that the net was off its mooring.

The Tommies rallied with forward Sarah Moy scoring off an assist from Katie Winiecki, and a minute later forward Anna Erickson scored, giving the Tommies a 3-2 lead.

The Blugolds pulled their goalie in hopes to score, but the Tommie defense prevailed and forward Rachel Werdin scored on an open goal.

A couple of seconds later Blugold forward Courtney Wittig scored, but the Tommies clinched the victory.

The Tommies will play the No. 4 Hamline Pipers in the national semifinal game on March 15.

Carly Noble can be reached at nobl1781@stthomas.edu.