ST. PETER, MINN. The Hamline University women's hockey team defeated No. 3 Gustavus Adolphus 2-1 on Friday night behind Nikki Olund's game-winning goal at 19:27 of the third period. This victory marks the Pipers' second win over a ranked opponent this season, the first was a 6-0 shutout over UW-Eau Claire on January 6. This triumph not only echoes their last victory over the Gusties, which was a 2-1 OT decision at TRIA Rink on February 11, 2022, but it also clinches the No. 3 seed for the Pipers in the 2024-25 MIAC Tournament.

Hamline improves to 16-8-0, 11-6-0 MIAC, while Gustavus falls to 19-5-0, 14-3-0 MIAC.

Hamline 2, Gustavus 1

The first period ended scoreless. Both teams had difficulty finding the net, with Hamline's Emme Nelson and Nikki Olund each taking multiple shots, all of which were saved by the Gusties' goalie, Lily Timmons. Gustavus pressured offensively, as Kaitlyn Holland and Brooke Power both had several missed shots and close attempts, including one shot that hit the pipe at 8:42. Pipers' goalie, Kendra Nordick, was active, making numerous saves as the Gusties' offense kept up a consistent attack throughout the period.

The second period was marked by a strong defensive showing from Hamline's goalie Kendra Nordick, who made multiple saves against the Gusties' barrage of shots. Despite Gustavus's offensive efforts, including a power play opportunity following a cross-checking penalty on Iyla Ryskamp, they couldn't capitalize, with many shots going wide or being saved. The period ended scoreless, with both teams unable to break through the defensive efforts of their opponents.

The third period began with a faceoff won by Hamline, and the initial minutes saw multiple missed shots by the Gusties. At 5:11, Hamline's Averie Martin received a penalty for body checking, giving the Gusties a power play, but they failed to capitalize until Kaitlyn Holland scored at 7:48, assisted by Lily Mortenson and Abby Elliott. Hamline quickly responded with a goal from Cailey McLaughlin at 10:18, assisted by Annabel Mehta, leveling the score to 1-1. The game remained tied until the final moments when Nikki Olund scored the game-winning goal for Hamline with 32 seconds left, assisted by Abigail Chamernick and Annabel Mehta, securing a 2-1 victory. 

Olund stood out for the Pipers with four shots on target. Annabel Mehta led the team in assists with two, and held a plus-minus rating of +2. Goalie Kendra Nordick played a crucial role in net, recording 31 saves and allowing only one goal in her start. Cailey McLaughlin also made significant contributions with a goal and a plus-minus of +2.

Lily Mortenson stood out for the Gusties with a faceoff win percentage of 60 percent, having won 15 of her 25 total attempts. Brooke Power also excelled in faceoffs, maintaining a perfect win percentage by winning all four of her attempts. Lindsay Berggren contributed with a 71 percent faceoff win rate, winning five-of-seven. Kaitlyn Holland led the Gusties with one goal, which came on a power play. Lily Timmons made 15 saves in net for Gustavus, who out shot Hamline 32-17.

The Pipers will look to sweep the Gusties at TRIA Rink tomorrow, Saturday, February 22 at 6 p.m.