Gustavus is ranked #7 in the country in the preseason poll, highest of any MIAC school
The Gustavus Women’s Hockey team was ranked seventh in USCHO’s most recent poll of all Division III teams. They are not only the highest ranked team in the MIAC, but of all schools in the western region of the division.
The Gusties were ranked fifth prior to this past weekend’s split with Adrian College. The Gusties lost the first game on an overtime breakaway 2-1, but were able to come back on Saturday for a 3-0 win.
Friday’s lone goal was scored by First-year forward Mollie Carroll during a power play, with the assist going to Junior forward Mari Gunderson. Despite the Gusties’ 41 shots on net, they were unable to score again and suffered a tough loss.
Even though they started the season on a low note, losing the first game of the year is nothing new to these Gusties. In the last four years, the Gusties have lost every season-opener, yet have gone on to have a winning season.
“It was good for our team to see that we aren’t invincible. I think we learned that we can’t overlook teams, and hopefully it won’t happen again in the future,” said Sophomore defenseman Sara Yunger.
In Saturday’s game, Junior forward Alyssa Saunders scored in the first period, followed by two goals from Junior forward Lynn Hillen in the second and third periods. Assists on Saturday went to Sophomore defenseman Kirstin Peterson, First-year forward Alyssa Gaulrapp and Senior defenseman and Captain Jenny Pusch.
Although the upperclassmen were able to get the job done during Saturday’s game, the Gusties will need their first-years to have a standout season in order to come out on top. “Everyone is going to need to play a part for us to be successful,” said Senior forward Jessie Doig.
This year, nearly half of the team is composed of first-years. Hillen has taken a positive stance on their youthful roster. “Having a large number of [first-years] is nice because while we are young, we have lots of growth on our team, and we will see in the first few months of our season dramatic progress,” said Hillen
Yet no other team that the Gusties will face this season has an entirely fresh goaltending squad. First-year goalie Emily Klatt is anything but fearful about their lack of experience. “If anything, I thrive under pressure like this.” And sure enough, the pressure is on,” said Klatt.
“I should hope that our second game [on Saturday] was more of a reflection of how we can play, but we have a long way to go,” Pusch said.
“Everyone is going to have to redefine their roles on the team, and different people are going to need to step up to produce and put the puck in the net,” said Peterson, an all conference pick last year.
This weekend the Gusties have their first home game against St. Mary’s. However, it will feel a little less homey than in years past, as Don Roberts Ice Arena is still out of commission, and the Gusties will therefore be heading to Mankato on Friday.
Peterson said that part of their less-than-stellar performance this past weekend may have been due to “trouble competing. We need to have the will to win and want to compete and want to work hard.”
Since the Mankato rink will be lacking Gustavus hockey banners, it’s up to the fans to show up decked out in black and gold. Let’s help these nomads feel like they have a reputation to defend.