SAINT PAUL, MINN.--The Hamline University women's hockey team fell to No. 3 Gustavus Adolphus (20-5-0) by a score of 4-3 OT at TRIA Rink on Saturday night.

The 2024-25 MIAC Tournament will put No. 3 seed Hamline at No. 2 Gustavus on Saturday, March 1 at 2 p.m.

The Pipers improve to 16-9-0, 11-7-0 MIAC, while the nationally-ranked Gusties fall to 20-5-0, 15-3-0 MIAC.

Hamline 4, Gustavus 3 (OT)

The first period ended scoreless, with both teams demonstrating strong defense. Early in the period, the visiting team had a series of missed shots, with Noelle Hemr and Brooke Power both failing to convert. Hamline's Kendra Nordick, in goal, made multiple saves, notably stopping shots from Lily Mortenson and Gianna Gasparini. A key moment occurred when Kaitlyn Holland from the visiting team incurred a two-minute penalty for tripping, giving the Pipers a power play, though they were unable to capitalize on the advantage. The period concluded with numerous shots by both teams missing the mark, maintaining the 0-0 tie.

The second period began with the Gusties winning the initial faceoff, but the Pipers quickly gained control. Early in the period, Hamline's Morgan Wohlers received a two-minute penalty for body-checking, allowing the visiting team a power play, although they were unable to capitalize on it. At 4:46, Hamline's Emme Nelson scored the first goal of the period, giving her team a 1-0 lead. The Gusties responded with a power-play goal by Kylie Scott at 7:57, leveling the score at 1-1. In the final minutes, Hamline broke the tie with two quick goals—Haley Eder-Zdechlik scored at 17:55, assisted by Iyla Ryskamp and Erika Broten, followed by Nikki Olund's goal at 18:07 with assists from Abigail Chamernick and Kylie Huseth—securing a 3-1 lead at the end of the period.

The third period began with the visiting team controlling the faceoffs and attempting several shots early on, with Kylie Ligday missing a shot. Hamline's defense, led by Kendra Nordick, managed to save multiple attempts from the visiting team, including a blocked shot by Kylie Huseth. A key moment occurred at 16:38 when Morgan Wohlers received a two-minute penalty for high-sticking, leading to a Gusties power play. Despite the power play ending without a goal, the visiting team capitalized soon after with an even-strength goal by Abby Elliott at 18:46. As the period wound down, Noelle Hemr scored with only two seconds remaining, equalizing the score at 3-3 and completing a comeback for the Gusties.

The overtime period between the Pipers and the visiting team began with a faceoff won by the Gusties' Lily Mortenson. Hamline attempted to take the lead with shots by Erika Broten and Nikki Olund, but both were unsuccessful, with Olund's shot being saved by Claire Bronson. At 2:12, Gustavus Adolphus' Avery Braunshausen scored the game-winning goal in sudden death overtime, ending the match with a 4-3 victory for the visiting team. The goal was unassisted and marked Braunshausen's first goal of the season.

Ashlyn Abrahamson excelled in faceoffs, winning 100 percent of her attempts. Nikki Olund was a key player, scoring one goal and maintaining a 64 percent faceoff win rate. Haley Eder-Zdechlik contributed one goal and led the team with seven shots. Emme Nelson also found the back of the net once and recorded a 36 percent faceoff win rate. Kendra Nordick stood out in goal, making 36 saves in her appearance.

Abby Elliott  made a significant impact, scoring one goal on six shots. Kylie Scott also contributed with a goal, which was notably a power play goal, giving her a plus-minus rating of two. Brooke Power stood out in faceoff performance with an impressive 83 percent success rate, winning five out of six faceoffs. Avery Braunshausen has been a key player, scoring one goal which was the game-winning shot. Additionally, Noelle Hemr has found the back of the net with one goal from five shots.