SAINT PETER, Minn. — The Gustie offense, coming off a 5-0 win the night before, turned up the heat the following day, erupting for nine goals over Concordia, matching the team’s high from earlier in the season against St. Scholastica. The Gusties, picking up their 20th win of the season, already locked up the No. 1 spot heading into the MIAC postseason a night before.
Gabby Slykas (Sr., Culver, Ind.) scored the first Gustie goal — and in storybook fashion. Molly McHugh (Sr., Minnetonka) won a faceoff back to Slykas who found the back of the net as her shot rolled just past the glove of Cobber goaltender Kiana Flaig. Slykas, a fifth-year senior, had played in 112 games prior to Saturday, yet to score her first collegiate goal. But waiting for the picture-perfect moment certainly paid off, as she celebrated Senior Day with the first goal of her career. From there, the Gustie offense was invigorated, scoring three more before the end of the period.
Clara Billings (Sr., Rochester) sent a picturesque feed from the bottom of the left circle to linemate Kaitlyn Holland (So., Aberdeen, S.D.) who found the back of the net for her third in as many games to extend the lead to 2-0. Not to be outdone by her sister, Hailey Holland (Sr., Aberdeen, S.D.) scored the Gusties’ third goal, tipping a shot from Tina Press (Sr., Cottage Grove) into the net. With the goal, Hailey Holland becomes the 14th Gustie in program history to eclipse 100 points, and the second on the roster, as Press netted her 100th point earlier this season. Lily Mortenson (Fy., Champlin) scored the final goal of the period for the 4-0 lead.
The Gusties extended their lead by two in the second, as Brooke Power (Jr., Lakeville) scored on the power play just as she had the night before, getting assists from Holland and Kayla Vrieze (Sr., Eagan) for the goal. And, as if 101 points weren’t enough, Hailey Holland added another goal for her third point of the night and 102nd of her career.
Billings extended the lead in the third, scoring back-to-back goals for the Gusties’ seventh and eighth, both assisted by Kaitlyn Holland and Mortenson. Kaitlyn Holland added one more before the end of the night on the power play, scoring her MIAC-leading 14th of the year and finishing the day with five points. Mortenson totaled four points, while Hailey Holland and Billings both finished with three.
Katie McCoy (Sr., Grafton, Wis.) picked up the win between the pipes, making 11 saves through the first two periods for the shutout. Jori Jones (Fy., Little Canada) finished the game for the Gusties, making two saves in one period of relief.
The Gusties celebrated their seven seniors and three fifth-year seniors as well, honoring their commitment to the Gustavus women’s hockey program. Seniors honored include McCoy, Press, Vrieze, Hailey Holland, Billings, McHugh, Emily Olson (Delano), Lindsey Bjerke (New Market), Slykas, and Heather Olinger (Savage). These 10 seniors combined for 484 points through their collegiate careers with Gustavus.
The Gusties round out the MIAC regular season next weekend, hosting St. Olaf on Friday for their final MIAC regular season game at home.