Erica Power tallied the game-winner for the Gusties.
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – The Gustavus women’s hockey team defeated the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire by a score of 3-1 in the season opener at Hobbs Ice Center in Eau Claire, Wis.
With the win the Gusties are 1-0 overall while the Blugolds fall to 3-2 overall.
After UW-Eau Claire struck first at the 13:45 minute mark of the first period with a goal from Sami Meister, the Gusties answered with three unanswered goals.
Following the first goal by UW-Eau Claire, Gustauvs answered not long after as Taylor Nelson (Fy., Plymouth, Minn.) tallied her first collegiate goal, with assists from Laine Fischer (So., Northfield, Minn.) and Kalley Spreiter (So., Litchfield, Minn.).
One period of play left the score knotted 1-1. The Gusties and the Blugolds notched six shots on goal each.
Gustavus took a 2-1 lead just five minutes into the second period with work from two co-captains. Erica Power (Jr., Lakeville, Minn.) tallied her first of the season, assisted by Allie Lewis (Sr., Kearney, Neb.). Power’s goal stood as the eventual game-winner.
The Gusties took their one-goal lead into the second intermission as UW-Eau Claire was unable to answer. After two periods, the Blugolds led in shots, 15-14.
In the third period the Gusties were able to push the lead to 3-1 three minutes into the period with another career-first. Kristen Cash (Fy., Roseville, Minn.) notched her first goal in Black and Gold on the power play. Cash took a pass from Erin Moes (So., Hastings, Minn.) and put a slapshot past UW-Eau Claire netminder Erin Connolly.
Gustavus went 1-4 on the man advantage and the penalty kill stood strong, disallowing a goal on four chances by the Blugolds. Goaltender Amanda DiNella (So., Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.) made 29 saves to earn her first win of the season. UW-Eau Claire outshot the Gusties, 30-16.
Gustavus just has a couple days rest before they return to action for the home opener at Don Roberts Ice Rink. The Gusties host the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Great game Gusties!
We streamed the game in Naples Florida…loved it.??????
Congratulations on your season opener! Great win.
Just got this e-mail and article from Grandma Jan Dimas, California. I am one of grandma Jan’s high school friends. Congratulations to Taylor on your first collegiate hockey goal. Pretty exciting. My granddaughter is a 9th grader at Burnsville High School and plays defense on the Junior Varsity team. I guess you could say I am a “Hockey Fanatic”, cause I love her team, the Gophers and the WILD. Never miss any of their games. BEST OF LUCK Taylor on the rest of your season. Bet mom and dad are pretty proud also.