ST. PETER, Minn. – The No. 7-ranked Gustavus women’s hockey team completed the sweep over Bethel University on Saturday afternoon, winning 4-2 at Don Roberts Ice Rink. The victory moves the Gusties to 6-1-1 overall and 5-1 in the MIAC, while the Royals fall to 3-6-1 overall and 1-4-1 in the league.
For the second game in the row, the two teams went scoreless in the first period and Gustavus was able to light the lamp early in the second. Laine Fischer (Jr., Northfield, Minn.) scored her second goal in as many games at the 5:36 mark of the second, assisted by Amelia Vosen (So., Anoka, Minn.) and Allie Stanger (Jr., Paynesville, Minn.). With 3:49 remaining in the middle frame, Kaitlyn Klein (Sr., Plymouth, Minn.) buried a puck from the crease, assisted by Erica Power (Sr., Lakeville, Minn.) and Diana Draayer (Sr., Deephaven, Minn.), and the Gusties led 2-0 after 40 minutes of play.
“We picked it up the last half of the second period and got a couple goals,” Head Coach Mike Carroll said. “I think that relaxed the girls a little bit and they started playing with more energy.”
Stanger then flipped the puck over the left shoulder of the Bethel goalie 6:14 into the third, which proved to be the game winner. Klein and Kristen Cash (So. Roseville, Minn.) assisted on the goal. Four minutes later Cash wristed her second goal of the season from the right point with the help of Paulina Scheid (So., Stillwater, Minn.) and Draayer. Bethel was able to end the shutout with two goals in the final 2:23 of the game, but the Gusties held on to complete the sweep. Amanda DiNella (Jr., Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.) made 16 saves to earn her sixth win of the season. Gustavus outshot Bethel 34-18 and committed just one penalty.
“Getting up 4-0 was huge, but a little disappointing giving up two late, especially as well as Amanda played, but a win’s a win,” Carroll said.
Gustavus next faces No. 5-ranked UW-River Falls in a home-home series next Wednesday in St. Peter and then next Saturday in River Falls, Wis.
“It can only make your team better and give the young kids some experience,” Carroll said of facing a top-five ranked team. “It also gives the older veterans another taste of what it was like last spring. Playing good hockey teams, win or lose, you’re going to be a better hockey team for it and it’s a good measuring stick for regions to know where we’re at. Hopefully these two games will make us better and prepare us for when we come back to conference play after Christmas break.”