BLAINE, Minn. – The No. 7-ranked Gustavus women’s hockey team defeated Bethel University 3-1 Friday night. The win moves the Gusties to 5-1-1 overall and 4-1 in the MIAC, while the Royals fall to 3-5-1 overall and 1-3-1 in the league.
“We can control our attitude and effort as we game plan during the week and if we do those things we’re going to do well most of the time. Our attitude was ok tonight but our effort was not where it needs to be,” Head Coach Mike Carroll said.
After a scoreless first period, Allie Stanger (Jr., Paynesville, Minn.) scored her first goal of the season unassisted at the 9:03 mark of the second for the game’s first goal and the Gusties held a 1-0 lead after 40 minutes of play. The Royals knotted the game at a goal apiece 3:17 into the third period, but Laine Fischer (Jr., Northfield, Minn.) answered 1:43 later with her first goal of the season to regain a lead the Gusties would not relinquish. Stanger and Laura Johnson (Sr., Chanhassen, Minn.) assisted on Fischer’s goal. Kaitlyn Klein (Sr., Plymouth, Minn.) then scored an insurance goal, her team-leading sixth of the season, with 11:06 remaining in the game, assisted by Amelia Vosen (So., Anoka, Minn.) and Marina Chapman (Jr., South Haven, Minn.), and the Gusties held on for the win.
“Our competition level and willingness to win battles in tight spaces was a little disappointing, especially in the second period,” Carroll said. “We seem to have some lessons still to learn in that area, but the nice silver lining was that our goalie played great in the second period and kept them at bay. We let in a fluky goal in the third period and settled down to answer and had a nice finish. It was a nice hard-fought win on the road, but it wasn’t a 60-minute effort.”
Amanda DiNella (Jr., Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.) earned the win in goal, making 22 saves. The Gusties outshot the Royals 30-23 and were 0-for-2 on the power play. The Black and Gold penalty killers didn’t allow a goal in three Bethel power plays.
Gustavus and Bethel wrap up the series at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Don Roberts Ice Rink.