The Gustavus Women’s Hockey team advanced all the way to the Frozen Four, which was hosted at the Don Roberts Ice Rink. The Gusties finished fourth in the nation.

The Gustavus Women’s Hockey team returned to the NCAA Frozen Four for the first time since its fourth place finish in the 2005-06 season. This year’s Gustie squad also finished fourth but received the exciting opportunity to host the Frozen Four at the Don Roberts Ice Rink.

The Gusties lost in the Semifinal round to the defending champions and top-seeded Amherst. Amherst applied constant pressure on the Gusties and came away with a 4-0 victory. Amherst went on to win the National Championship with a 7-2 win over Norwich.

The Gustavus Women’s Hockey team lost its third-place game to an experienced Elmira team 4-1. The loss concluded the Gusties’ season with a record of 22-6-2.

Receiving an NCAA Tournament berth by virtue of an easy 5-1 over St. Kate’s in the MIAC Championship game, the Gusties won both the regular season and playoff crowns. They also compiled a 14-3-1 record to win the MIAC, despite a rough patch at the beginning of the season with two early conference losses to St. Thomas and St. Olaf. The Gusties advanced to the Frozen Four by virtue of a 2-0 victory over UW-River Falls.

The Gusties received key contributions from upperclassmen as well as a trio of first-years. Sophomore forward Allie Schwab led the Gusties in scoring with 22 points and was first in the MIAC in goals with 12. Senior forward Melissa Mackley recorded 20 points, finishing fifth in the MIAC in that department. First-years Lindsey Hjelm, Meagan Wanecke and Tam Meuwissen finished with 19, 16 and 11 points, respectively, and were key contributors throughout the season for the Gusties.

All-American Junior defender Kirstin Peterson led the Gustie defense and was also third in the MIAC in assists with 13. Junior Sara Yunger and Senior Alyssa Saunders were also key defenders in leading the Gusties to the best scoring defense in the MIAC.
Sophomore goalie Danielle Justice led the MIAC in both goals against average, .877, and shutouts with 4.

The Gusties will only graduate two seniors, Melissa Mackley and Alyssa Saunders, and will figure to be major contenders for a return trip to the NCAA Frozen Four with a young, experienced and talented squad.

Honorable Mention: Golf, Swimming & Diving, Rugby