RIVER FALLS, Wis. – Kaitlyn Klein (Sr., Plymouth, Minn.) tallied two power play goals in the third period, erasing a one-goal deficit to lead the No. 6-ranked Gustavus women’s hockey team to a 2-1 victory at the No. 5-ranked University of Wisconsin-River Falls Saturday afternoon for the series sweep.
The Gusties, now 8-1-1 overall, have completed two consecutive series sweeps with their second comeback victory of the season.
“It was our most complete effort from start to finish,” Head Coach Mike Carroll commented. “From the back end, our defense, and forwards, our team played so intense.”
UW-River Falls took a 1-0 lead at the 15:13 minute mark of the first period, as Callie Hoff broke through the Gustie defense and snuck one past goaltender Paige Press (Jr., Cottage Grove, Minn.), starting in her first game of the season.
The Falcon lead stood at 1-0 through the first two periods, while Gustavus held a 17-14 advantage in shots on goal. Lauren Tremblay (Fy., Hayward, Wis.) made her collegiate debut in net for the Gusties during the middle frame, tallying seven saves.
“Even though we were down 1-0 in the first period, I like the way we played. Slow starts have been a trend for us lately, so I was happy with the way we started,” said Carroll.
Despite being outshot 13-6 in the third period, Gustavus capitalized on the man advantage. Klein’s conference-leading eighth and ninth goals of the season both came on the power play. Kristen Cash (So., Roseville, Minn.) and Erica Power (Sr., Lakeville, Minn.) assisted on the equalizer at 6:59, while Katy Fuller (Sr., Minneapolis, Minn.) and Sydney Henrichs (Fy., Eden Prairie, Minn.) were credited with helpers on the game-winner at 9:31.
Bailey Jackson (So., Chaska, Minn.) jumped in net for the third period, her second appearance of the season, making 13 saves to earn the win. Gustavus finished the game 2-3 on the power play, while UW-River Falls went 0-2.
“Any win is a good win, but when we get a sweep, it can only give us confidence heading into the second half,” Carroll concluded.
The Gusties will enjoy a three-week holiday break prior to returning to action Jan. 5-6 for a non-conference series at St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wis.