The Gustavus women’s hockey team clinched at least a share of its seventh consecutive MIAC regular season title with a 3-0 win over Saint Mary’s on Saturday afternoon in Winona. The Gusties, who have a league mark of 12-2-2 (26 points), have a four-point lead over second place St. Thomas, now need one point in their regular season finale next weekend against Augsburg to clinch the title outright. Meagan Wanecke scored twice to lead the Gusties over the Cardinals.
After a scoreless first period, Gustavus jumped out to a 1-0 lead when Mollie Carroll scored at the 1:14 mark of the second period. Allie Schwab and Amanda Cartony were credited with assists. The Gusties increased their lead to 2-0 when Wanecke scored her first goal of the game at the 16:25 mark. Kelsey Kennedy and Gracie Olson were credited with assists. Gustavus led 2-0 after two periods of play.
Wanecke added an insurance goal at the 13:14 mark of the third period extending the Gustavus lead to 3-0. Olson and Lisa Tuuri were credited with assists.
Gustavus out-shot Saint Mary’s 38-9 in the game. Danielle Justice picked up the shutout in goal for Gustavus. She registered eight saves. Kaye Collier was handed the loss in goal for Saint Mary’s. Collier recorded 35 saves.
The Gusties will close out their regular season with a league series with Augsburg on Friday and Saturday. Gustavus is currently scheduled to face the Auggies in St. Peter on Friday night at 5:00 pm (this time has been moved from 7 pm due to the fact that the Gustavus men’s hockey team will be hosting the Auggies in a First Round MIAC Playoff game that same night at 8 pm).