The UW-River Falls women’s hockey team defeated Elmira 4-1 Sunday afternoon on home ice at Hunt Arena to win the 2024 NCAA Division III women’s hockey national championship.
The national title is the first in UWRF’s history during its 25th anniversary season, finishing with a 31-0-0 overall record, the most single season wins in NCAA Division III women’s hockey history. The Falcons’ undefeated season is the second undefeated season in D-III women’s hockey history.
The first was Middlebury (27-0) in 2022.
Tied 1-1 heading into the final 20 minutes of regulation, UWRF took the lead with a Kenzie Dunn goal just under seven minutes into the third period, and the Falcons rode that wave, scoring another two while shutting out the Soaring Eagles in the final frame to seal the win.
After a scoreless first period, the Falcons drew a five-minute major penalty just over five minutes into the second period, in which they capitalized on with a MaKenna Aure wrist shot goal to give UWRF a 1-0 lead. But under two minutes later, Elmira scored to knot the score at 1-1, where it stood heading into the third period.
Riding the momentum of a clutch 5-of-3 penalty kill, Kenzie Dunn went coast-to-coast and scored five-hole to give the Falcons their first lead of the game just under the seven-minute mark. Soon after, Madison Lavergne extended the lead, deflecting a Kaitlyn Ronn shot from the point to put the home team up 3-1 with over 12 minutes left in regulation. UWRF claimed a three-goal cushion at the 12-minute mark with an Alex Hantge goal, and the Falcon defense stood strong down the stretch.
Jordan O’Connor made 16 saves to earn the win, finishing the year with a 23-0 record which ties a UWRF single season record for most wins as a goaltender.
Maddie McCollins was awarded the Most Outstanding Player for the tournament.
