SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus women’s hockey team took their first conference win with a final of 5-0. The teams last faced off in 2020 when the Gusties took a 5-2 win.
Gustavus got the scoring started just three minutes into the first period with a goal from Sophia Coltvet (Fy., Arden Hills) assisted by Hailey Holland (So., Aberdeen, S.D.). Both teams had multiple rebound opportunities with loose pucks in front of the net. Tina Press (Jr., Cottage Grove) caught a pass from Kayla Vrieze (Jr., Eagan) and Holland in the neutral zone and was able to sidestep a St. Ben’s defender, finding the back of the net with just 10 seconds remaining in the first period.
Three minutes into the second frame, Clara Billings (So., Rochester) used the momentum to tack on a 3-0 lead with an assist from Emily Olson (So., Delano). The Bennies attempted to retitalite with more physical play coming from both sides. St. Ben’s killed off two penalties while managing to hold the Gusties to just Billings’ goal before heading into the third.
With a power-play opportunity just a minute into the third period, Brooke Power (Fy., Lakeville) recorded her first collegiate goal with an assist from Jordyn Peterson (Jr., Brookings, S.D.). The Gusties would kill off two penalties before Madigan Goldsworthy (Jr., Chaska) would conclude the scoring for the 5-0 win.
Both goaltenders saw time in the net with Emilia Helms-Leslie (Jr., Fairbanks, Alaska) starting in the net with 11 saves and Katie McCoy (So., Grafton, Wis.) finishing the second half with 4 saves.
“The first period wasn’t as strong as it could have been, but things picked up in the second and third and as the game wore on we looked faster and more determined,” said Head Coach Mike Carroll. “It was also good to see us get the shut out at the end. Helms-Leslie held her own during some point-blank opportunities and since we planned to split the goaltending, McCoy was prepared and ready to go in. Our defense also came together and our forwards were strong on the back check.”