The longest winning streak in Gustavus women’s hockey history came to an end Tuesday night after a 3-2 loss to UW-Stevens Point in Stevens Point, Wis. The Pointers converted two power play opportunities in the second period as they outshot the Gusties 24-13. Gustavus, which is ranked fourth in the USCHO.com poll, dropped to 17-2-0 overall. UW-Stevens Point, which is ranked third in the USCHO.com poll, improved to 17-0-2 this season.
The Pointers lit up the scoreboard quickly in the first period as Kellye Nelson scored her seventh goal of the season 0:33 into the contest for the early 1-0 lead. UW-Stevens Point remained the aggressor in the period as Gustavus goaltender Breanna Scavo (So., Blaine, Minn.) made nine saves to keep the score 1-0 at intermission. The Pointers outshot the Gusties 10-1 in the first period.
UW-Stevens Point had outscored opponents 34-3 in the second period and tonight’s game proved to be no different. The Pointers’ Nicole Grossman scored her 18th goal of the season at 7:30 in the second period after Sara Yungner (Fy., Maple Grove, Minn.) was called for a slashing penalty for a 2-0 Pointer lead. The Gusties quickly cut the deficit back to one goal when Allie Harwood (Fy., Rochester, Minn.) scored her seventh goal unassisted at 10:21. Claire Opsahl (So., Eagan, Minn.) was called for a holding penalty towards the end of the period, in which UW-Stevens Point capitalized on. With nine seconds left in the power play, Jamie Lewandowski increased the lead back to two goals at 3-2 heading into the locker room.
Gustavus came out strong in the third period as the Pointers were called for two quick penalties. Stefanie Ubl (Sr., Blaine, Minn.) scored her 12th goal of the season on a pass from Kirstin Peterson (Fy., St. Paul, Minn.) with 14:00 remaining in the contest after Grossman was called for checking to bring the Gusties within one goal. Coach Carroll pulled Scavo with 1:30 left on the clock, but Gustavus was unable to score with the skater advantage for the 3-2 loss.
Scavo suffered her second loss of the season as she made 21 saves in the losing effort as the Gusties lost their third straight game to UW-Stevens Point. Pointer goaltender Ann Hulme posted her 11th win as she made 11 saves for the big non-conference win. Tuesday’s game marked the first time in 59 games Gustavus had been outshot by its opponent.
Gustavus will return to MIAC action on Friday night, when it begins a weekend series against Saint Benedict at 7 p.m. in St. Cloud.