Gustavus women’s hockey captains Mollie Carroll and Lindsey Hjelm each provided two-goal efforts Friday night, leading the Gusties to a 5-1 victory over Bethel in Blaine, Minn. in their first MIAC contest of the season. The Gusties improve to 3-0-0 overall and 1-0-0 in the MIAC, while Bethel drops to 1-1-2 overall and 0-1-0 in league play.
Hjelm got the party started with a power play goal at the 10:32 mark of the first period. Allie Schwab and Carroll were credited with the assist. First-year forward Carolyn Draayer scored what proved to be the game-winner in the second minute of the second period. With the goal, Draayer continued her early-season goal-scoring streak to three games. The Deephaven, Minn. native has a team-leading five goals on the year.
Bethel ended the shutout 5:19 into the second on a power play goal by Cristina Masten – her team-leading fourth of the season. The ensuing Bethel power play opportunity wasn’t as fortunate for the Royals, though, as Carroll scored a short-handed goal in the 14th minute of the second to take a 3-1 lead for the Black and Gold. The short-handed goal by the Gustie captain was the first for the women’s hockey program since Dec. 12, 2009 in a 3-1 win at St. Olaf.
Carroll scored her second goal of the game with just :10 remaining in the second on an assist from Hjelm and Jenna Christensen. Hjelm, one of three assistant captains for Gustavus, scored the final goal of the contest – her second of the game – at the 6:00 mark of the third period.
Gustavus goalie Danielle Justice tallied her second victory of the season after recording a season-high 24 saves. Bethel netminder Sophie Borgerding faced 33 shots and made 28 saves.
The Gusties and Royals conclude the regular season series Saturday in St. Peter at 2:00 p.m.
Gustavus vs. Bethel Game Notes