St. Kate’s sophomore forward Cassie Rooney scored an unassisted goal at 7:12 of the third period breaking a 1-1 tie and allowing the Wildcats to defeat Gustavus 2-1 on Friday night at Don Roberts Ice Rink in St. Peter. The Gusties lone goal was scored by Lindsey Hjelm at 16:31 of the second period with an assist to Gracie Olson. Gustavus and St. Catherine will play the series finale on Saturday at noon at Ridder Arena on the campus of the University of Minnesota.
After a scoreless first period, St. Kate’s took a 1-0 lead on an unassisted goal by Ashley Grell at 1:36 of the second period. Late in the period, Gustavus tied the score at 1-1 when Hjelm scored at the 16:31 mark. The score was tied at 1-1 through two periods of play.
The Wildcats picked up what turned out to be the gamewinner when Rooney scored seven minutes into the third period. The Gusties put consistent pressure on St. Kate’s goaltender Mel Gerten, but Gerten answered each time. Gustavus pulled its goaltender for the extra skater with 55 seconds left in regulation play and the result was several good scoring opportunities, but Gerten closed the door and allowed the Wildcats to skate away with the 2-1 victory.
Gustavus held a 33-18 shot advantage in the contest. Gustie goaltender Emily Klatt registered 16 saves.
Gustavus is now 9-4-2 overall and 5-3-1 overall. St. Kate’s improves to 11-3-0 overall and 7-2-0 in the MIAC.