Gustavus Adolphus advanced to the MIAC championship series with an 8-2 victory over the St. Catherine on Saturday night. The Gusties, who won the regular season MIAC title and are the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, swept the fourth-seeded Wildcats. Gustavus won 6-0 on Friday.
Gustavus led 2-0 after one period and 6-1 after two periods. Balanced scoring was the key as seven different players tallied goals including Kenzie Stensland with two, and Jess Brandanger, Noelle Skalko, Kirsten Olson, Nicole Guimond and Sarah Moe with one each. St. Kate’s got a goal from Jen Rogers in the second period and Jill Ament in the third period.
Gustavus outshot the Wildcats 48-18. Gustie netminder Molly O’Donnell recorded 15 saves. St. Catherine goaltender Kendra Maxson turned away 20 shots and allowed four goals in 26 minutes of action. Jaquelle Sevigney allowed four goals while making 20 saves.
Gustavus was whistled for nine penalties for 18 minutes, while St. Kate’s was assessed five penalties for 10 minutes. The Gusties converted two of their five power play opportunities, while the Wildcats scored one power play goal in nine opportunities.
Gustavus improved its record to 21-5-0, while St. Kate’s finished its season at 15-10-2. The Gusties face St. Mary’s next Friday and Saturday in St. Peter for the MIAC championship.
Gustavus finished first in the MIAC regular season with a record of 16-2-0, while the Cardinals finished second with a mark of 15-3-0. The Gusties are ranked third in the current USCHO.com Division III poll, while St. Mary’s is ranked sixth.
The winner receives an automatic bid to the American Women’s Collegiate Hockey Alliance Division III Championship in Rochester, New York on March 9-10.
