SAINT PETER, Minn. – No. 4 Gustavus women’s hockey is set for its final non-conference game of the season Tuesday night at UW-Superior. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. The Gusties enter the contest 17-3-2 overall and 13-1-2 in the MIAC, while the Yellowjackets are 15-6-1 overall and 5-5-0 in the WIAC.
The Series: Tonight’s game marks the 27th meeting between the Gusties and Yellowjackets with Gustavus leading the all-time series 17-5-4. The Gusties had won five games in a row in the series until the Yellowjackets claimed a 2-1 win on Jan. 10 in Saint Peter. Kayla Vrieze scored a power play goal early in the second period to give the Gusties a 1-0 lead, but the Jackets answered with two unanswered goals in the second and held on for the win.
Scouting the Gusties: Gustavus is riding a four-game winning streak, most recently defeating Saint Benedict 5-2 on Saturday. The Gusties are statistically the best team in the MIAC on special teams and defense. They own a 19.5 power play percentage, 94.1 penalty kill percentage, 1.08 goals against average, and a .938 save percentage – all marks that lead the league. On offense, the Gusties average 3.32 goals (2nd/MAIC) and 38.0 shots (2nd/MIAC). Kristina Press leads the offense with 25 points (4th/MAIC) on 10 goals and a team-high 15 assists (3rd/MIAC). Molly McHugh has a team-high 13 goals (3rd/MIAC) and is second on the squad with 24 points. Hailey Holland is the third Gustie with at least 20 points with 12 goals and eight assists. Katie McCoy has spent the most time in net with a 1.28 goals against average and .939 save percentage.
Scouting the Yellowjackets: UW-Superior is 6-1 in its last seven games, most recently defeating UW-Stevens Point 3-2 in overtime on Saturday. Through 22 games this season, the Yellowjackets average 3.2 goals and 32.5 shots per game, while allowing 1.9 goals. They convert on the power play at 13.8 percent and own an 89.6 penalty kill percentage. Kaleigh Martinson leads the offense with 26 points on 20 goals and six assists. Amanda Sergent has 18 points on seven goals and 11 assists, while Molly Shelton has 15 points on a team-high 12 assists and three goals. Catherine Johnson has spent the most time in the crease with a 2.22 goals against average and a .914 save percentage.