Women's Ice Hockey

UW-River Falls Wins Third Straight NCAA Women’s Ice Hockey Title

**Recap courtesy of UW-River Falls Sports Information

RIVER FALLS, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-River Falls won its third straight NCAA Division III Women’s Ice Hockey Championship with a 4-0 victory over Nazareth University (N.Y.) at Hunt Arena on March 29.
 
It is the third national championship in program history and the Falcons became the third program in NCAA Division III women's ice hockey history to win three consecutive national championships, joining Middlebury College (Vt.) (2004-06) and Plattsburgh State (N.Y.) (2014–17). Across the three-year championship run from 2024-26, the Falcons, led by head coach Joe Cranston, compiled an overall record of 87-4-2.
 
Since the 1982-83 academic year, WIAC institutions have combined to win 136 NCAA Division III team championships.
 
After a scoreless opening period, the Falcons broke through early in the second and never looked back, improving to 30-1-0 on the season. The 30 wins is the second-most in program history.
 
UW-River Falls controlled much of the first period, outshooting the Golden Flyers but unable to solve Nazareth goaltender Mia Gonsalves. The Falcons' persistence paid off early in the second period while carrying over a power play, as Brooklyn Riley opened the scoring just 1:01 into the frame. Riley's goal was redirected from a MaKenna Aure shot, and proved to be the game-winner.
 
Just over two minutes later, Sophia Hess doubled the Falcons' lead at the 3:26 mark of the second, finishing off a setup from Cahlilah Lindquist and Aure to make it 2-0.
 
UW-River Falls continued to apply pressure throughout the game, finishing with a 44-22 advantage in shots. The Falcons added to their lead midway through the third period when Madison Kadrlik scored at 10:19 off assists from Sami Pool and Kailey Niccum. Hess capped the scoring with her second goal of the game on an empty net with 2:16 remaining.
 
Hess led all players with two goals and 12 shots, while Aure recorded two assists. The Falcons also dominated at the faceoff dot, winning 44 of 70 draws, led by Hess' 21 wins. Megan Goodreau recorded one assist to finish with 77 points on the season, tying an NCAA Division III record. She matched Laura Hurd's record of 77 points set during the 2001-02 season.
 
In goal, Jordan O’Kane turned aside all 22 shots she faced to earn the shutout, collecting her UW-River Falls record ninth shutout on the season.
 
UW-River Falls finished 1-for-4 on the power play and held Nazareth scoreless on three opportunities, continuing a strong special teams performance.

At the conclusion of the Division III NCAA Championship, Goodreau, Hess, Aure and O’Kane earned spots on the All-Tournament Team, and Aure was named Most Outstanding Player - UW-River Falls' third in a row (Maddie McCollins in 2024 and Bailey Olson in 2025).
 
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