ST. PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus women’s hockey team outmatched Saint Mary’s University Saturday afternoon at Don Roberts Ice Rink during a 5-0 shutout as the Gusties turned in a solid 60-minute effort.
After a 1-1 overtime draw last night in Winona, Minn., the Gusties responded with five even-strength goals, tallying one in the first period and two in each the second and third.
“We had a much better overall effort and it was fun to watch the girls play with grit and passion,” said Head Coach Mike Carroll. “We got a little frustrated last night, it was just one of those goofy games. We did a good job today and it was fun to have our whole bench play and contribute.”
Amelia Vosen (So., Anoka, Minn.) was at the right place at the right time for the eventual game-winner, tapping home a pass from Katy Fuller (Sr., Minneapolis, Minn.) at 14:07 of the first period. The Gusties held a 14-3 advantage in shots on goal throughout the first 20 minutes and took a 1-0 lead into the second frame.
The Black and Gold secured a three-goal lead in the second period, led by the top-line of Erica Power (Sr., Lakeville, Minn.), Kaitlyn Klein (Sr., Plymouth, Minn.), and Diana Draayer (Sr., Deephaven, Minn.).
At the 6:23 minute mark, Power received a nice centering pass from Klein, scoring her seventh of the season to put Gustavus up 2-0. Klein followed up her assist with a nice individual effort near the end of the period to earn the 3-0 lead. Draayer assisted on both goals.
Up by three goals in the final frame, two Gusties were able to put home their first goals of the season. Minutes into the third, Madison Bergren (Jr., Mahtomedi, Minn.) collected a loose puck in the slot for her first career goal. Taylor Nelson (So., Plymouth, Minn.) added her first of the season, capitalizing on a rebound opportunity near the midway point of the third and the Gusties held on for the 5-0 shutout.
Gustavus outshot the Cardinals 44-11 and turned away two SMU power play chances, while going 0-1 on the man advantage. Amanda DiNella (Jr., Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.) tallied 11 saves in net while picking up her 11th career shutout, improving her record to 10-2-4 on the season.
The Gusties, now 13-2-4 overall and 7-2-3 within the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, prepare for a series with St. Catherine University next weekend.