On Tuesday the No. 5 Gusties travelled to Saint Catherine’s to take on the No. 4 Wildcats in the MIAC quarterfinals.
“We overcame adversity multiple times this fall and it was great to see that resiliency. We battled hard today and didn’t end the season on a loss. Not many teams can say that.” — Coach Burnett-Kurie
The first half of play was scoreless, but Gustavus opened the scoring in the second half off of a goal by Sophomore Chase Miller at the 53rd minute mark. The goal was only Miller’s second of the season, but it came at a great time.
“The team came together and committed to each other and their goals… Making that commitment and achieving that success allowed us to be playing in this game today.” — Coach Burnett-Kurie
Unfortunately the Wildcats quickly equalized a minute later, tying the score at 1-1.
Regulation ended with no further goals, and then two periods of scoreless overtime followed. The Gusties lead in shots-on-goal 8-7, with Senior Madison Ackiss and Sophomore Emily Skogseth both tallying two, but no one could find the net. With the season on the line, the Gusties headed into shootouts.
The Wildcats started the shootout with two quick scores. The Gusties countered with a goal by Junior Captain Sophie Leininger, but it wasn’t enough as three other Gusties couldn’t find the net, and the Wilcats scored again to clinch the win, and end the Gusties season.
The quarterfinal loss came just a year after the Gusties shocked the state by winning the MIAC Playoffs. Although they fell short this year, the team had a lot to be proud of.
“At the beginning of the season the team set a goal of making it to the playoffs,” said Head Coach Laura Burnett-Kurie. “We found ourselves in a tough spot in achieving that goal after the first week of October. At that point the team came together and committed to each other and their goals and we went 5-1-1 in conference play. Making that commitment and achieving that success allowed us to be playing in this game today. That’s what this season is all about. We overcame adversity multiple times this fall and it was great to see that resiliency. We battled hard today and didn’t end the season on a loss. Not many teams can say that.”
“As for the seniors.. they started at the bottom of the conference and during their four years qualified for the MIAC playoffs twice, won a playoff championship and was able to experience playing in the NCAA tournament. That alone speaks volumes.” — Coach Burnett-Kurie
The team will especially miss their senior class.
“As for the seniors, they were our first recruited class so they will always hold a special place in our heart. They started at the bottom of the conference and during their four years they qualified for the MIAC playoffs twice, won a playoff championship and was able to experience playing in the NCAA tournament. That alone speaks volumes to their talent and character. They are a pretty great group,” Burnett-Kurie said.