The Gustavus women’s hockey team held a 2-1 lead in the third period before Mari Gunderson (Jr., Shoreview, Minn.) scored the insurance goal in a 3-1 win over Saint Mary’s on Saturday afternoon in Winona. Gunderson scored the goal two minutes after Cassie Stoner tied the game for the Cardinals with a power play goal. Gustavus extended its unbeaten streak over the Cardinals to 15 games as the Gusties improved to 11-1-0 overall. Saint Mary’s fell to 2-8-1 overall and have not beat Gustavus since the 2001-02 season.
Both squads skated to a 0-0 tie after the first intermission as Saint Mary’s goaltender Emily Friedl kept the Cardinals in the contest by making 10 saves. Jenny Pusch (Jr., Minneapolis, Minn.) broke the scoreless tie at 8:37 in the second period with a power play goal after Saint Mary’s Hadley Swaggert was called for a hooking penalty. Laura Vannelli (Sr., Apple Valley, Minn.) and Sara Yungner (Maple Grove, Minn.) were credited with assists on the play. Gustavus struck again later in the period for a 2-0 lead when Kirstin Peterson (Fy., St. Paul, Minn.) scored the first goal of her collegiate career on a Jessie Doig (Jr., New Prague, Minn.) pass.
Saint Mary’s struck 2:22 into the third period when Cassie Stoner scored an unassisted power play goal to bring the Cardinals within one goal. Stoner’s goal was the first power play goal scored in 52 consecutive power plays by Gustavus opponents. The Gusties responded to the challenge when Gunderson scored her first goal since returning to the lineup since December 8 at 4:12 for a 3-1 lead.
Breanna Scavo (So., Blaine, Minn.) compiled 10 saves for the win as her record improved to 10-1-0. Saint Mary’s Emily Friedl posted 29 saves in the losing effort as Gustavus outshot the Cardinals 32-11.
Gustavus will return to MIAC competition on Friday night when the Gusties start a weekend series with Bethel in Blaine, Minn. at 7:00 pm. Saint Mary’s will square off against Hamline on Friday night in Winona at 7:05 pm.