MINNEAPOLIS -- The Augsburg University women's hockey team's 2025-26 campaign came to an end with a 3-1 loss to Elmira College in an NCAA Division III National Tournament first-round game on Saturday afternoon at Ed Saugestad Rink. Augsburg managed a lone goal in the second period, but Elmira's three-goal burst in the same frame proved decisive.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Elmira 3, Augsburg 1
LOCATION: Ed Saugestad Rink, Minneapolis
RECORDS: Augsburg 21-5-1 overall, Elmira 20-5-2 overall

GAME RECAP
Both teams had multiple scoring opportunities in the first period, but neither could capitalize. Elmira's Mo McBride and Anna Lugge peppered Augsburg's goaltender Marissa Paaske with shots, all of which were either wide or saved. Meanwhile, Augsburg's offensive efforts were stymied by Elmira's goaltender Olivia Last, who made crucial saves on attempts by Lilli Wold, Nora Stepan and Adelyn Milota as part of her 30-save effort in the game. Despite numerous faceoff wins and shots on goal from both sides, the period ended scoreless.

A pivotal second period saw Elmira take control with three goals, starting with Alayna Toole's even-strength goal at the 6:24 mark, assisted by Piper Andrews and Gabby Dougherty. Augsburg promptly responded 13 seconds later as Jenna Allen netted an equalizer, assisted by Molly Grundhoffer. Elmira regained the lead at the 14:33 mark with Rian Comeau's goal, and a short-handed goal by MK Boyle at the 19:36 mark extended Elmira's advantage to 3–1

In the third period, Augsburg launched several offensive efforts but was repeatedly stymied by Elmira's defense and goaltender Last. Despite numerous shots, including attempts by Aunna Schulte and Stepan, Augsburg was unable to capitalize during the period. A power play opportunity at 9:02 following MK Boyle's interference penalty yielded multiple chances but ultimately no goals. Elmira's defense, led by Anna Lugge and Sarah Waszkielewicz, effectively blocked key attempts, maintaining their lead. 

Saturday's game marked the final collegiate contest for eight Augsburg seniors -- Livia Brehm, Molly Grundhoffer, Kate Haug, Marissa Paaske, Kelsi Ries, Emily Schoeberl, Nora Stepan, and Tenley Stewart.

Augsburg, the MIAC regular-season champions for the second year in a row, was making its second straight appearance in the NCAA Division III National Tournament. The Auggies finished the 2025-26 season with a 21-5-1 record, tied for the second-most victories in a season in the 31-year history of the women's hockey program. Last year, the Auggies finished 24-4-1.

AUGSBURG PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Adelyn Milota: 63% faceoff win percentage, 7 faceoff wins
• Jenna Allen: 1 goal
• Molly Grundhoffer: 1 assist
• Marissa Paaske: 18 saves

ELMIRA PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Alayna Toole: 1 goal, 75% faceoff percentage
• MK Boyle: 1 goal: 1 assist, 100% faceoff percentage
• Rian Comeau: 1 goal, 4 blocked shots
• Olivia Last: 30 saves