SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus women’s hockey team fell 4-2 against Bethel University on Tuesday night. The Gusties are now 0-1 overall as the contest does not fall under conference play.
Both teams started out strong on defense to stay scoreless in the first two frames. Gustavus was able to set up multiple scoring opportunities, outshooting the Royals 11-6 before heading into the third period. Bethel initiated the scoring at the 4:53 mark from Lindsey Muntifering. The Gusties quickly answered back with the first goal of the season from Tina Press (Jr., Cottage Grove) scoring just five seconds after, unassisted.
As pressure picked up from both teams, the Royals were able to take a 2-1 lead with a goal from Lexi DeBace. Gustavus attempted to retaliate with an extra player and an empty net, giving Bethel a scoring opportunity to take a 3-1 lead with from Kennedi Mitchell with a minute remaining in the period.
Once again the Gusties were able to respond quickly. Five seconds later, first-year defender Sophia Coltvet (Fy., Arden Hills) claimed her first collegiate goal unassisted to make it nail-biting one-goal game. Gustavus pulled its goalie for a final attempt to even the score before Julia McAplin secured the final goal for Bethel.
“It’s obvious we’ve got work to do, we’re not in game shape and that’s why it’s nice to play a couple non-conference games to get rolling,” said Head Coach Mike Carroll. “I was very impressed with Sophia Coltvet, she did a great job and that’s very encouraging. Our forecheck breakdowns are very correctable, we’ll be just fine and our players know what we have to do in order to do better and we’re confident we will.”
Both Katie McCoy (So., Grafton, Wis.) and Emilia Helms-Leslie (Jr., Fairbanks, Alaska) saw time in net with McCoy making five saves on five shots in 30:25 minutes played and Helms-Leslie making nine saves on 11 shots in the remaining 28:16 played.
The Gusties are back in action when they host the University of St. Thomas on Saturday night for a 7 PM contest.