SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Winona State University dominated the shot column Wednesday afternoon at Augustana University, but a second-half goal from Courtney Wiencek was all the Warriors could muster in their 4-1 first round conference tournament loss to the Vikings.
Augustana (12-4-3) avenged a 2-1 overtime loss to Winona State (8-8-1) earlier this year with the win and advances to the semifinals while the Warriors' season comes to an end.
Despite owning a decisive 17-6 advantage in the shot chart on Wednesday, Winona State's efforts were denied by the Viking keeper on 10 of its 11 attempts that landed on goal as the home team made the most of its limited opportunities by finding the back of the net in all four shots that landed on target.
Midway through the first frame, Augie broke the scoring seal in the 21st minute of play. Shortly after, the Vikings added another goal which proved to be the game-winner.
Winona State was ahead 10-3 in total shots heading into the break, but had nothing to show for it at halftime as the Warriors faced a 2-0 deficit.
The Warriors got an instant shot of life after the second half kickoff when Wiencek found the back of the net just 16 seconds into the new half to cut Augie's lead in half. The unassisted score was the junior's third of the season.
Over the next 40 minutes, Winona State uncorked six shots, including four on goal, but was turned away in every attempt. The Vikings struck again in the 71st minute of action and added one more to put the game out of reach in the 88th minute.
Wiencek led WSU with four shots while landing three one target, including the lone Warrior goal. Georgette Topalis and Addie Royer followed by registering three shots apiece.
Royer fired two shots on goal in the first five minutes of the contest but was unable to beat Claudia Pueschner between the posts as she recorded the win with 10 saves.
Senior Jourdan Valkner suffered the loss in net for Winona State and concludes her career ranked ninth all-time in career saves (110).
The season-ending defeat also marks the conclusion of the careers of Royer, Abby Bohanski, Shannon Brohan, MacKenzie Challoner, Chase Rehm, Maggie Ruelle and Kirsten Windbiel who each made great contributions to the program. Bohasnki finishes her Warrior career as one of the all-time leaders in goals, game-winning goals and points.
