The Gustavus women’s hockey team had six different players register a goal in its season-opening 7-1 victory over Concordia University Friday night in St. Peter, Minn. First-year forward Carolyn Draayer led the Gusties with her first two collegiate goals in the convincing win.
The Gusties maintained possession of the puck throughout most of the contest with much of the action occurring in the Falcons zone. Gustavus outshot Concordia 54-to-8. Falcons starting goalie Kaitlyn Evans was peppered with 40 shots in the first and second periods, allowing six goals, while Andrea Mizanskey tallied 13 saves against 14 shots in the third for Concordia.
The Gusties started junior Marah Sobczak between the pipes and she responded with seven saves and one goal allowed. Katherine Jorgenson replaced Sobczak in goal for the final five minutes and did not face a shot.
It didn’t take long for Gustavus to light up the scoreboard as Melissa Doyle found Jenna Christensen streaking up the right side of the Falcons zone for a goal at the 5:13 mark in the first. After 10 minutes of scoreless action, Allie Schwab scored the eventual game-winner on an assist from Maddie Bergh and Kelsey Kennedy. Doyle brought the first period scoring to an end just over a minute later at the 16:39 mark, giving the Gusties a 3-0 lead after one.
The Falcons ended the shutout with an unassisted goal by Erin Grant 4:19 into the second frame, but that would be the one and only score for Concordia on the night. Draayer took little time to respond to the Falcons score with an unassisted goal of her own just over a minute later.
The Three Crowns were given their first power play in the 14th minute of the second and Marissa Brandt took advantage of the situation with a goal assisted by Lindsey Hjelm and Draayer. The Gusties’ second power play opportunity came with three minutes remaining in the second and senior captain Mollie Carroll capitalized with the score. Draayer picked up her second goal of the game two minutes into the third to bring the game to a final 7-1.
Gustavus improves to 1-0-0 with the season-opening victory, while the Falcons drop to 1-1-0. The Gusties have a quick turnaround and will host St. Norbert on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. The Green Knights come into Saturday’s match-up 1-1-0 after losing to Saint Mary’s 5-3 Friday night.