The St. Catherine hockey team picked up a big conference win against MIAC leading, and #8 nationally ranked, Gustavus Adolphus College (GAC) Friday night at Ridder Arena. 

In a rematch of the 2010 MIAC playoffs championship game, St. Kate's and Gustavus battled all game long.

After a scoreless first period in which the Wildcats were outshot 14-1, the Gusties finally broke through to open the scoring in the second period. Gustavus netted the first goal of the night at the 7:25 mark in the second to take the 1-0 lead. 

A little over four minutes later the Wildcats responded with a goal of their own. St. Kate's tied it up on a power play goal by Katie Lawler, with the assists going to Meghan Lange and Bridget Braastad. 

At the 17:25 mark in the same period Kelsey Abrahamson put in what turned out to be the game winning goal. Rachael Gasperetti and Michaela Michaelson assisted on the play. 

In a dramatic third period, the Gusties again outshot the Wildcats (16-5). Fortunately for SCU, Mel Gerten and the St. Kate's defenders held strong. Despite being down two skaters for the game's final three minutes, Gerten, Lawler, Lange and company held Gustavus scoreless and preserved the 2-1 victory. 

Mel Gerten had a great night in goal; stopping 38 shots total. 

Michaelson's assist on the game winning goal was her 100th career point as a Wildcat. That moved her to #3 All-Time in Wildcats career scoring.

The same two teams finish up their home-and-home series Saturday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. in St. Peter, MN.

box score