SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Two second half goals propelled the Gustavus women's soccer team to a 3-1 victory over Hamline on Wednesday afternoon. The Gusties, who have clinched a spot in the MIAC playoffs, improve to 9-8 overall and 6-4 in the MIAC, while the Pipers drop to 7-7-1 overall and 3-6-1 in the league.
The Gusties, now winners of their past five conference games, started the scoring with a goal five minutes into the match.
Katie Ashpole (Sr., Chaska) found
Page Cocchiarella (Sr., Owatonna) for her fourth goal of the season. The Pipers were quick to answer with a goal at the 10:36 mark. The score remained 1-1 at halftime with the Gusties owning a 14-3 advantage in shots.
Kirstin Poppen (Fy., Verona, Wis.) scored what proved to be the game-winner at the 59:20 mark on an assist from Ashpole. Ten minutes later, Ashpole added an insurance goal, her team-leading sixth of the season, with the help of
Rachel Rehnelt (Sr., Albert Lea).
Leah Pavlish (Sr., Prior Lake) earned the win in goal after making a pair of saves. The Gusties outshot the Pipers 28-4 for a season-high shot total.
"We are incredibly proud of this team and what they have done in order to clinch playoffs," Head Coach
Laura Burnett-Kurie said. "They deserve this in every aspect. They stuck together in the hard times, have shown immense we-over-me mentality, supported each other and believed.
"We are playing at a very high level now and really dialed into all the details that make this team so fun to watch. Today's game was a great display of our Gustie tempo. Hamline is a very organized, technical team and we were able to elevate our game and found ourselves moving the ball incredibly well. To score three goals against an organized side is awesome and every goal was fantastic in its own way. We are relishing in clinching a playoff spot but know we still have work to do on Saturday."
Gustavus wraps up the regular season 3:30 p.m. Saturday at home against Macalester.
