SAINT PETER, Minn. – In a matchup of top-10 nationally ranked teams, No. 6 Gustavus women’s hockey came up short against No. 5 UW-River Falls on Wednesday night in a 6-3 decision at Don Roberts Ice Rink. The Gusties drop to 7-1 overall, while the Falcons improve to 9-1.
UW-River Falls took advantage of an early breakaway 1:20 into the game for a goal. The Falcons quickly made it 2-0 four minutes into the first period with another goal, but the Gusties answered less than a minute later as Madigan Goldsworthy (Sr., Chaska) scored her first goal of the season, assisted by Hailey Holland (Jr., Aberdeen S.D.). The Falcons regained a two-goal lead at the 14:28 mark with a power play goal and added another score one minute later, carrying a 4-1 lead into the first intermission.
Gustavus answered nine minutes into the second period as Kaitlyn Holland (Fy., Aberdeen, S.D.) scored with the help of Clara Billings (Jr., Rochester). The Falcons were once again quick the respond as they scored their second power play goal of the game at the 10:56 mark. The final Falcon goal came on a shorthanded breakaway for a 6-2 lead with 7:11 remaining in the second. Hailey Holland scored unassisted with 2:56 left in the second for a 6-3 differential, and neither team found the back of the net in the third period.
The Gusties outshot the Falcons 30-18 but went 0-for-4 on the power play. UW-River Falls scored goals on both of its power plays.
Katie McCoy (Jr., Grafton, Wis.) suffered her first loss of the season after making seven saves. Maria Widen (Fy., Burnsville) made her first appearance in net for the final 25:23 and did not allow a goal while making five saves.
“Even though the goals came at inopportune times, I thought we settled down,” Head Coach Mike Carroll said. “I think the tale of the game was two teams, that up to this point had not had a lot of practice in their own end in games. When we were forechecking we did very well and did some good things and got some nice goals. Conversely, when they got the puck in our end, we had a little trouble playing defense. You have to hand it to them, they came out ready to roll. It was a big learning experience for our team. The best part is that we get a chance to play them again on Saturday. Our kids will rebound and I have confidence we’ll be ready to go on Saturday.”
The Gusties and Falcons conclude the series at 2:05 p.m. Saturday in River Falls.