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Oles tie Gusties

Amanda Chumbley
February 6, 2002

February 1-2, the Oles faced the Gustavus Adolphus Gusties. Going into the game the Oles were ready for a tough game against reigning MIAC champions and the number one team in the nation for Division III. What was expecting to be a blowout turned into the biggest upset in St. Olaf women's hockey history with a 1-1 tie.

The game remained scoreless as Gustavus battled to put the puck in the net. Ole goaltender Kerry Rollwagen (FY., Mendota Heights, Minn.) blocked shot after shot from the Gustie offense. Late in the third period, on a Gustie power play, Gustavus took the lead at 17:18. Not letting up a bit, the Oles beefed up their defense and kept the second period scoreless. Halfway through the second period, the Oles switched goaltenders. Andrea Smith (FY., Burnsville, Minn.) went in for Rollwagen. Going into the third period, the Oles were far from finished. With more intensity than ever, they played tremendous defense and intimidating offense. A power play gave the Oles a one-man advantage and Sarah Ray (So., St. Paul, Minn.) scored the tying goal at 4:12 with a shot from the point. The assists were awarded to Kate Barnett (FY., Burnsville, Minn.) and Erin Baxter (FY., Rosemount, Minn.). For the last fifteen minutes of regulation, the Oles held the Gusties scoreless. In the third period alone, Smith stopped all 23 of the Gusties shots.

The crowd was anxious as the tired teams headed into five minutes of sudden death overtime. It was all defense for the Oles as the Gusties put 10 shots on goal in those five minutes. When the buzzer sounded, the Oles and their fans cheered. The Oles had tied nationally ranked Gustavus. All the Oles had incredible games, however the goaltenders, Rollwagen and Smith demonstrated incredible skill, stopping 65 of the 66 shots on goal.

On Saturday, February 2, the Oles traveled to St. Peter to face the Gustavus again. After the incredible game the night before, the Gusties were ready for revenge. Gustavus took their revenge on the Oles with a 10-0 blowout. Excited yet tired from their tremendous effort the night before, the Oles put forth a good effort on Saturday. The Oles nine shots on goal were no match for the Gusties 47. Even with the disappointing loss on Saturday, the victory of the tie on Friday is still a thorn in the side of Gustavus and earned the Ole program a great deal of respect.

The Oles travel to face Bethel College on Wednesday, February 6, at 7:00 PM.

Contact Judy Stromayer at 507-786-3315 or stromaye@stolaf.edu.