#1 Wisconsin RIver Falls & #2 Augsburg University face off this Friday – November 7, 2025. (Photo by Don Stoner, Augsburg University Sports Information Director)

#1 Wisconsin–River Falls at #2 Augsburg University
Friday, November 7 – 7 PM CST
 UWRF leads all-time series 14–3–1

The two top-ranked programs in Division III women’s hockey square off Friday night at Ed Saugestad Rink in Minneapolis, MN as the No. 2 Augsburg University Auggies host the No. 1 University of Wisconsin–River Falls Falcons. The Falcons have had the upper hand historically, leading the all-time series 14–3–1 and winning eight of the last ten meetings.

These teams are no strangers to one another. Last season, River Falls defeated Augsburg 4–2 in the national semifinal, and their regular-season matchup ended in a 4–4 tie, with the Falcons taking the shootout. Both squads bring back most of their production, with Augsburg returning 78 percent of its total points and River Falls 72 percent.

River Falls opened its season Tuesday night with a 7–1 win over Saint Benedict, a dominant start that saw 16 total points distributed among nine different skaters. The Falcons also netted two shorthanded goals, both coming from Megan Goodreau. Goodreau added two assists to finish with four points, beginning her season with a standout performance. With two consecutive Laura Hurd Award winners, the honor given annually to the top player in Division III, the Falcons are eyeing a third straight and fifth overall, which would be the most by any program. Goaltender Jordan O’Kane was solid between the pipes, stopping 16 of 17 shots.

On Augsburg’s side, Head Coach Elizabeth “Biz” Bauer enters her second season behind the bench after a 24–4–1 debut campaign. The Auggies opened this season with an impressive sweep of No. 9 Adrian, winning 4–1 and 3–2. Forward Nora Stepan led the way with four points across the two games after finishing as the team’s leading scorer last year with 29. Reigning rookie of the year goaltender Kayla Simonson made 21 saves in her season debut, while senior netminder Marissa Paaske added a 20-save performance in the home opener.

When these two powerhouses meet on Friday, one key factor could be faceoff success. Both teams controlled the dot in their opening weekends. Augsburg won 66 of 117 draws, while River Falls took 29 of 49. That consistency in possession will be crucial in setting up scoring chances and dictating the game’s pace.

Puck drop is set for 7 PM CST  at Ed Saugestad Rink in Minneapolis, where the Falcons look to continue their dominance and the Auggies aim to turn the tables and make an early-season statement against the nation’s top team who sent them home last season in the Frozen Four.