ST. PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus women’s hockey team scored twice in the third period, coming back from 2-1 deficit to earn a 3-2 victory over the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Tuesday evening at Don Roberts Ice Rink.
A goal by Emily Gustafson (Sr., Esko, Minn.) with just over five minutes remaining in the third period served as the game-winning goal as the Gusties tallied their fourth win of the season, moving to 4-3-1 overall on the season.
Late in the first period, Gustavus was able to take the first lead on the power play. Laura Johnson (Jr., Chanhassen, Minn.) was posted in front of the net and stuffed in her first of the season with help from Diana Draayer (Jr., Deephaven, Minn.). The Gusties held a 1-0 lead after one period of play, outshooting UW-Eau Claire 6-3.
The Blugolds stole the momentum in the second period, eventually taking a 2-1 lead. UW-Eau Claire took control early in the period as Courtney Wittig snuck out from the corner and put a shot past Gustie goaltender Bailey Jackson (Fy., Chaska, Minn.) to record her team-leading ninth goal of the season. Jaeydn Walz gave UW-Eau Claire the lead on the power play at the 12:55 minute mark as she put home a rebound right outside of the crease.
Kaitlyn Klein (Jr., Plymouth, Minn.) provided a spark for the Black and Gold around the midway point of the third period. Allie Stanger (So., Paynesville, Minn.) caused a turnover near the UW-Eau Claire blue line as Klein retrieved the puck and weaved her way through the Blugold defense and scored a nifty goal to tie the game at two a piece and notch her third goal of the season.
The Gusties kept the pace going following the goal, eventually outshooting UW-Eau Claire 18-4 in the third period. Emily Gustafson registered the game-winner not long after Klein’s goal when she broke free on a breakaway after nice puck movement by Nicole Abraham (Fy., St. Paul, Minn.) and Amelia Vosen (Fy., Anoka, Minn.) to post her third goal of the season. Abraham’s assists stands as her first collegiate point.
Bailey Jackson made 13 saves in goal to record her first collegiate victory, moving her record to 1-2-1 on the season.
Gustavus returns to action this weekend as they are slated for a Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference series with the College of Saint Benedict. The Gusties host the Blazers at 7 p.m. Friday at Don Roberts Ice Rink.