The 2007-08 Gustavus women’s hockey team became the first team to finish the MIAC women’s hockey season 18-0-0 after defeating Concordia 7-1 in Moorhead on Saturday. Both squads were tied 1-1 midway through the second period until the Gusties scored two goals in 1:40 for a 3-1 lead and never looked back. Gustavus, which is ranked #3 in the recent USCHO.com Division III poll, finished the regular season at 23-2-0 overall. Concordia fell to 10-11-2 overall and 10-6-2 in league play.
Lynn Hillen put Gustavus on the scoreboard early in the first period as she scored 1:40 into the game to give the Gusties an early 1-0 lead. The one goal lead stood for the remainder of the period as the Cobbers were outshot 11-3.
Concordia tied the game at 7:09 after Amanda Matchett scored on a pass from Kelsey Puffe. Gustavus responded minutes later as Allie Harwood and Jessica Doig both scored in 1:40 at the 12:44 and 14:04 marks, respectively, for a 3-1 lead. Laura Hillman would add a fourth goal for the Gusties two minutes before the last intermission.
Mari Gunderson recorded her 15th goal of the season after receiving a pass from Jenny Pusch at 6:53 in the third period. Gustavus would score two more goals before the end of the game with an even strength goal from Laura Vannelli and a power play goal by Hillman.
Breanna Scavo posted her 20th win of the season as she made 15 saves on 16 shots to bring her goals against average to 0.96. Scavo was part of a Gustie defense that allowed only 12 goals in 18 conference games. Maddie Haroldson made 10 saves and allowed four goals after coming into the game in the second period. Amber Malcolm had 14 saves and allowed three goals when she was relieved by Haroldson.
Gustavus will face the winner of Hamline/Bethel on Saturday in St. Peter at a time yet to be determined. Concordia will play St. Thomas on Saturday in St. Paul at a time yet to be determined as well.