St. Peter, Minn. – After finishing last season with an overall record of 27-2-1, the Gustavus women’s hockey team will enter the 2013-14 season ranked fourth in the USCHO.com Division III Women’s Hockey Preseason Poll.
Last season, the Gusties advanced to the semifinals of the NCAA Tournament before being knocked off by Elmira, the eventual national champion, in overtime by the final score of 4-3. The following afternoon, Gustavus lost to Plattsburgh State 4-0 to finish fourth in the country.
The 2013-14 preseason poll reflects the final standings from a year ago as each of the four teams to reach the semifinals last season are ranked in the top four spots. Elmira sits atop the poll at No. 1, while Plattsburgh ranks in behind the Soaring Eagles at No. 2. Middlebury got the nod for the No. 3 slot in front of Gustavus, who is the only MIAC team in the preseason top 10.
The Gusties will open their 2013-14 season on Saturday, Nov. 2nd when they host Saint Mary’s University for a non-conference match up at Don Roberts Ice Rink. Saturday’s opening face off is set for 2:00 p.m.