Amelia Vosen slides the game-winning goal past the Augsburg goaltender. (Photo courtesy of Jake Noel, Gustavus Sports Information)
ST. PETER, Minn. – After skating to a 1-1 overtime draw Friday night in Minneapolis, the No. 5-ranked Gustavus women’s hockey team rebounded with a 3-1 victory over Augsburg on Saturday at Don Roberts Ice Rink. The win moves the Gusties to 12-2-3 overall and 6-2-2 in the MIAC, while the Auggies drop to 9-5-3 overall and 4-3-3 in the league.
“We were a little disappointed in the overall effort last night. When we made a push it was a great push but their goalie played great and we came out with one point [in the league standings],” Head Coach Mike Carroll said. “Today our goal was just find a way to get two points. Getting the lead right away certainly helped with that.”
It took nearly the entire first period before the first goal was scored as Amelia Vosen (So., Anoka, Minn.) tallied a power play goal with 32 seconds remaining in the period. Kristen Cash (So., Roseville, Minn.) and Erin Moes (Jr., Hastings, Minn.) were credited with the assists. Vosen posted her second goal of the game, and fifth of the season, at the 7:13 mark in the second period, which proved to be the game-winner. Erica Power (Sr., Lakeville, Minn.) made her team-leading 14th assist on the score.
Just over six minutes later, Diana Draayer (Sr., Deephaven, Minn.) found the back of the net on a power play with the help of Cash and Kaitlyn Klein (Sr., Plymouth, Minn.). Gustavus led 3-0 after two periods of play and it wasn’t until the 15:38 mark of the third that Augsburg would score its lone goal of the game with an extra-attacker on the ice.
Augsburg finished the game with a 29-26 advantage in shots, while Gustavus won the faceoff battle 31-14. The Gusties went 1-for-6 on the power play and were penalized a season-high seven times for 14 minutes. Amanda DiNella (Jr., Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.) made 28 saves, improving her record to 9-2-3.
“Amanda played great for us and we got some goals from people that haven’t scored much for us to spread the wealth a little bit, which was fun,” Carroll said. “I think we feel a little bit better about ourselves going into next week so that was a good win.”
Next weekend the Gusties take on Saint Mary’s in another home-home series. Friday’s game in Winona, Minn. begins at 7 p.m. and Saturday’s game in St. Peter starts at 2 p.m.