The #8 Gustavus women’s hockey team escaped with a 2-1 victory over #9 UW-Superior Tuesday night at Don Roberts Ice Rink in St. Peter, Minn. Gustavus led 1-0 until the 11:55 mark in the third period as UW-Superior scored on a power play goal by Ashlee Olson. Gustavus answered 20 seconds later on a goal by Meagan Wanecke and held on for the remainder of the game to secure the 2-1 victory.
Gustavus controlled the puck in the first period as most of the action was played in the Yellowjacket zone. At the 13:26 mark, Alyssa Saunders picked a loose puck at center ice while passing it forward to Lindsey Hjelm for a break away goal. UW-Superior nearly answered 30 seconds later with two point blank shots on goal but Gustie goaltender Danielle Justice made two impressive saves to deny the Yellowjackets of their first goal. Gustavus led 1-0 headed into the first intermission.
After a scoreless second period, the intensity and flow of the game picked up in the third as UW-Superior scored on a power play goal by Ashlee Olson. Just 20 seconds later, Gustavus was able to answer on a loose puck in front of the nets knocked in by Meagan Wanecke. Both teams skated hard for the remaining 7:45 but Gustavus held on to important 2-1 victory.
Alyssa Saunders picked up two points on two assists for Gustavus while Danielle Justice posted 14 saves to record her sixth win of the season, improving to 6-2-0. The Gusties posted 35 shots on goal compared to 15 for the Yellowjackets.
Gustavus has now won seven straight improving to 9-3-2 overall, while UW-Superior falls to 9-5-2 overall. The Gusties host St. Catherine in an important MIAC matchup Friday night at Don Roberts Ice Rink. The game is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.