Tegan Rodriguez led Gustavus with a goal and assist at Saint Mary's.
WINONA, Minn. – The Gustavus women’s hockey team posted a second-straight shutout Saturday afternoon, defeating Saint Mary’s University 4-0 to earn the series sweep and improve its record to 13-5-3 overall and 9-2-3 in Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play.
A three-goal first period and defensive performance that allowed an opponent season-low six Saint Mary’s shots on goal propelled the Black and Gold to take four points on the weekend.
“It was nice to spot ourselves a lead in the first period,” said Head Coach Mike Carroll. “We did a lot of good things, but sort of had some ups and downs are far as effort and intensity.”
Just 00:28 seconds in the the first stanza, co-captain Allie Lewis (Sr., Kearney, Neb.) scored unassisted to put the Gusties on the board. Lewis’ fifth goal of the season would stand as the game-winner as Gustavus added three more goals and didn’t allow much if any Cardinal offense.
The next two first period goals came from Tegan Rodriguez (Fy., Sioux City, S.D.) and Marina Chapman (So., South Haven, Minn.). Rodriguez picked up her second goal of the season at 6:04 with help from line-mate Allie Stanger (So., Paynesville, Minn.), while Chapman notched her third goal of the year at 15:21 with assists from Kristen Cash (Fy., Roseville, Minn.) and Rodriguez – who picked up her second point of the game to set a career-high.
Near the end of the second frame, co-captain Diana Draayer (Jr., Deephaven, Minn.) scored her second of the season to give the Gusties a 4-0 cushion, which they rided for the remainder of the game. Emily Gustafson (Sr., Esko, Minn.) and Kaitlyn Klein (Jr., Plymouth, Minn.) were credited with assists on the goal.
For the second game in a row, Gustavus didn’t allow a Cardinal shot on goal in the first period, outshooting Saint Mary’s 34-6 in the game. Both teams went 0-for-2 on power play opportunities.
Netminder Amanda DiNella (So., Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.) registered her third-straight shutout and her sixth of the season, moving her record to 8-2-2.
“It was really nice to finish off the weekend with the shutout,” Carroll commented. “This time of the year, the games mean even more because it’s getting close to the end. I think our team is heading in the right direction and it’s fun to see, but we have a lot of work ahead of us. Hopefully we can have a good next week of practice and get ready for Bethel.”
Next on tap, Gustavus prepares for a series with Bethel University. The Gusties host the Royals Friday evening at Don Roberts Ice Rink and head to Arden Hill, Minn. Saturday afternoon.
Good job coaches! The team is peaking at the right time!
Good luck with Bethel!
I’m still checking in; keep up the good work !!!
Dale Gustafson, Windsor Locks, CT
My two sisters from VT, and I, were all present at the Middlebury tourney last season when the two GA injuries occurred with one involving hospitalization. I’ve checked in, from time to time, to see how the team has been doing ever since. Good luck against Bethel. Dale
Hi Dale,
I’m Kaitlyn Klein’s father and just want to say you and your sister’s will always be in our family’s heart and memories for the kindness you displayed during Kaitlyn’s injury last year in Vermont. It took Kaitlyn 11 months to fully heal but she is back playing with the team she loves so much and representing such a great college.
Joe