SAINT PETER, Minn. – Both the Gustavus women's soccer team and Hamline entered Saturday's game seeking its first MIAC win. The Gusties had dropped a trio of one-goal decisions in the week before, while Hamline came up empty in a pair of 0-0 draws with Augsburg and Saint Benedict.
Saturday was once more a one-goal game, this time in favor of the Gusties, as
Cambelle Waldspurger (Jr., Mahtomedi) scored the lone tally in minute 60 to defeat the Pipers (3-4-3, 0-1-2 MIAC).
The Gusties dominated play on all fronts through the first 45 minutes, tallying seven shots and five on goal, including a number of dangerous chances off the foot of
Ellen Becken (Sr., Prior Lake), who leads the Gusties in scoring. The Hamline goalkeeper was able to defend all Gustie attempts, as well as five corner kicks, as both teams entered the break deadlocked 0-0.
Waldspurger's goal was one for the highlight reel, as Becken, who was surrounded by multiple Piper defenders, sent a pass backwards to Waldspurger, who launched a perfect shot into the top right corner of the goal. Hamline gave its best effort for the rest of the game to tie the score, getting five shots and three on the goal of
Katelyn Olson (So., Cloquet), but no attempt was enough, as the Gusties claimed their first conference win of the season, 1-0.
"What a fantastic team performance today," said Head Coach
Laura Burnett-Kurie. "The group stuck to the game plan and played with freedom offensively. We trusted each other and adapted when we needed to. Our goal was a wonderful team goal, building up the field, culminating with a wonder struck by Cambelle. It was fun to watch our team enjoy themselves and we are proud of the complete 90 they put together."
Waldspurger led the team with six shots and four on goal, followed by
Kirstin Poppen (Sr., Verona, Wis.), who totaled four shots and three on target in the victory. Olson made a pair of saves four her fourth shutout of the season.
The Gusties (4-3-2, 1-3-0 MIAC) are back for a quick turnaround tomorrow, hosting UW-River Falls (5-2-1, 0-0 WIAC) for Youth Day at the Gustie Soccer Field.
