The gulf between the top of the WIAC and the NCHA was apparent Tuesday night as host Wisconsin-River Falls defeated St. Scholastica 3-1 in nonconference action.
The Falcons (17-4-2), leaders of the WIAC, outshot the Saints (12-4-4), runners-up in the NCHA, 51-13 overall and 18-4 in a decisive first period.
Kora Torkelson and Jessie Anderson scored goals for River Falls in the opening period and Hermantown's Callie Hoff netted her 18th of the season shorthanded midway through the third period.
Lexi Thomeczek's 48 saves kept the game close, while Alexia Klaas of Duluth scored the Saints' lone goal in the second period.