The Gustavus women’s hockey team clinched its fifth straight MIAC title with a convincing 6-0 win over Hamline on Friday night at Don Roberts Ice Rink. The Gustie win, paired with a St. Thomas loss to Bethel (1-0) assured Gustavus of the 2008-09 title. It was senior night at Gustavus and three of the four seniors, Jessie Doig, Christine Wicker, and Jenny Pusch scored a goal, and the other senior Mari Gunderson registered two assists. The Gusties improved to 19-1-4 on the season and 15-0-2 in the MIAC.
Gustavus led 1-0 after the first period, and 3-0 after two periods, before scoring three goals in the third period to claim the 6-0 win. Gustavus, which held a 51-7 advantage in shots, did not allow the Pipers a shot on goal in the third period.
Christine Wicker opened the scoring for the Gusties with a goal at 15:03 of the first period. Nara Higano was credited with the assist.
Mollie Carroll increased the lead to 2-0 when she scored :27 seconds into the second period. Melissa Mackley made the score 3-0 with a goal at 5:32 of the second period.
In the third period, Jessie Doig scored at the 2:19 mark, and then Jenny Pusch (12:37) and Allie Schwab (12:58) scored :21 seconds apart to close out the scoring for the Gusties.
Danielle Justice played 55 minutes in the nets making seven saves and improving her record to 9-1-4. Osa Donovan played the final five minutes in goal for Gustavus. Andria Pinkerton registered 45 saves in a losing effort for the Pipers.
The Gusties will seek to complete their second consecutive unbeaten season in conference play tomorrow night at Hamline. Gustavus,which is unbeaten in 40 consecutive conference games (38-0-2) dating back to the 2006-07 season, was 18-0-0 in league play last year and is currently 15-0-2 this season.