SAINT PETER, Minn. — The Gustavus women’s hockey team defeated Concordia 5-0 Friday night, scoring two goals in each of the first two periods and one in the third. With the win, the Gusties earn their 18th MIAC Regular Season Championship, effectively clinching the No. 1 seed and home ice heading into MIAC Playoffs in a few weeks.
It’s safe to say the Gustie power play has been a force to be reckoned with this season, but, in case they hadn’t proved it yet, the Gusties scored their NCAA Division III-leading 32nd power play goal to start the scoring – just nine seconds into the player advantage. Brooke Power (Jr., Lakeville) took a feed from Hailey Holland (Sr., Aberdeen, S.D.) in front of the crease to give the Gusties the 1-0 lead. Just a few minutes later, the Gusties extended their lead to 2-0 thanks to Emily Olson (Sr., Delano) who found the back of the net off a loose puck behind Cobber goaltender Kiana Flaig.
The Gusties added two more goals to their total in the second, starting with Tina Press (Sr., Cottage Grove), who skated around all five Concordia players in the offensive zone, sending an unassisted tally into the bottom right corner to extend the advantage to 3-0. Kaitlyn Holland (So., Aberdeen, S.D.) added to the total for the Gusties, as linemate Hannah Gray (So., Stillwater) sent a pass from behind the net to Holland, who tapped one in from in front of the net.
The Gusties added one more in the third period, as Olson tallied her second of the night just 19 seconds into the third period. Katie McCoy (Sr., Grafton, Wis.) made five saves through the first two periods of play, while Jori Jones (Fy., Little Canada) made five saves in the third period as relief for McCoy. Kayla Vrieze (Sr., Eagan, Minn.) and Hailey Holland shared the team lead in points, scoring three each, all on assists.
The Gusties are back tomorrow afternoon, hosting Concordia for a 2 p.m. match up and celebrating Senior Day and the graduating class of 2023.