MIDDLEBURY, Vt. — Entering the Cardinal/Panther Classic on a four‑game win streak and holding a 2–1 all-time edge over Wisconsin‑River Falls, the Cardinals looked to make a statement against the top-ranked Falcons.

The Falcons struck first seven minutes into the opening period on a goal by Sophia Hess, assisted by Megan Goodreau, taking a 1–0 lead. In the second period, the Cardinals responded when first-year Bailey MacKellar (Hamburg, N.Y.) netted an unassisted goal at the five-minute mark, tying the game 1–1. Just nine minutes later, the Falcons reclaimed the lead on a goal from Alexis Larsen, sending Plattsburgh into the final period trailing 2–1.

The third period featured few scoring chances until late, when, with 2:33 remaining, River Falls added an insurance goal on the power play, once again by Goodreau, assisted by Hess and Kylie Jones, sealing the 3–1 final. River Falls goaltender Jordan O'Kane stopped 18 of 19 shots to earn the win, while Plattsburgh netminder junior Chloe Lewis (Monson, Mass.) recorded 24 saves in the loss.

The Cardinals will complete the Cardinal/Panther Classic tomorrow at 2 p.m. as they take on host Middlebury in the consolation matchup.