The Gustavus women’s hockey team improved to 2-1-0 overall and 1-1-0 in the MIAC with a convincing 4-1 win over Saint Mary’s University at the New Ulm Civic Center on Friday evening. The Gusties were led by Melissa Mackley and Kirstin Peterson as both scored a goal and registered two assists . Mari Gunderson and Allie Schwab also scored for the Gusties, while Danielle Justice picked up the win in the nets.
The Gusties jumped out to a 1-0 lead on a power play goal by Melissa Mackley at 5:50 of the first period. Kirstin Peterson was credited with the assist. Coach Mike Carroll’s squad increased its lead to 2-0 when Mari Gunderson tallied an even strength goal at the 9:28 mark. The Gusties outshot the Cardinals 10-3 in the first period and held a 2-0 lead.
Early in the second period, Kirstin Peterson scored a power play goal to extend the lead to 3-0. The goal, which came at 2:08, was assisted by Melissa Mackley. The Cardinals tallied their only goal of the game just over a minute later as Alex Braun caught the Gusties on a line change and sprinted up the middle of the ice before blasting a slap shot over the stick hand of Danielle Justice and into the upper left corner of the net at the 3:22 mark.
Gustavus closed out the scoring at 4:46 of the second period as Allie Schwab scored her first collegiate goal to give the Gusties a 4-1 lead. Melissa Mackley registered the assist.
The Gusties out-shot Saint Mary’s 35-13 in the match and converted two of their six power play opportunities. The Cardinals were 0-4 on the power play.
Danielle Justice made 12 saves in the game and improved her season mark to 1-1-0 overall. Emily Friedl recorded 31 saves for Saint Mary’s.
Gustavus has now compiled a record of 13-0-1 against the Cardinals in the past six seasons. The two teams will play tomorrow afternoon in Winona at 4:00 pm.
Gustie head coach Mike Carroll recorded the 199th win of his ten-year career. He can reach the 200 career win milestone with a win in Winona tomorrow.