(photo courtesy of SPX Sports)
SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus women’s soccer team wraps up its season 3:30 p.m. Saturday at home against Macalester. The Gusties enter the contest 5-12 overall and 3-7 in the MIAC, while the Scots are 2-13-1 overall and 2-7-1 in the league.
Senior Day: As is tradition at Gustavus, the final home game of the regular season is designated as Senior Day and a special tribute is made to the individuals who have dedicated themselves to the women’s soccer program throughout the past four years. The athletic department, Coach Laura Burnett-Kurie, parents, and fans salute the five seniors who have represented the program with pride and class. This year’s senior class includes Ashley Becker (Farmington), Abby Mullenbach (Lakeville), Judith Hepburn (North Pole, Alaksa), Lucy Thompson (Edina), and Maggie Leininger (Plymouth).
The Series: Saturday’s game marks the 48th meeting between Gustavus and Macalester with the Scots leading the all-time series 27-11-9. Last season in Saint Paul the two teams played to a double overtime scoreless draw on Oct. 27 to close out the season. In the last three meetings, the series is tied at 1-1-1.
Scouting the Gusties: Gustavus is coming off a 3-0 win at Hamline on Wednesday, which marked its first road win of the season. Home field advantage has played a role with the Gusties owning a 4-2 record in Saint Peter. Through 17 games this season, Katie Ashpole (Jr., Chaska) leads the offense with 11 points on five goals and an assist. Taylor Hemme (Jr., Eden Prairie) is next on the stat sheet with a team-leading four assists and a goal for six points. Ashley Becker has started all 17 games in goal with a 1.43 goals against average and a .818 save percentage. Her 111 saves are most in the MIAC.
Scouting the Scots: Macalester has lost its last four games, most recently dropping a 2-0 decision to Saint Mary’s on Wednesday. Through 16 games, Alice Bieda leads the offense with seven goals. Kayla Togneri and Kate Lawhead have split time in goal. Togneri has started nine games with a 2.21 goals against average and a .773 save percentage, while Lawhead has started seven games with a 2.20 goals against average and a .778 save percentage.