Women’s hockey team routs Augsburg 5-0, secures playoff berth

Four different players scored for St. Thomas in its 5-0 win over Augsburg College Sunday afternoon at home. With the win, the Tommies locked up one of five MIAC playoff berths.

Freshman forward Morgan Olson netted two power-play goals in the second period, as the Tommies bounced back from a 2-1 loss to the Auggies Saturday night.

“We did not come out strong last night, so it was important for us to play to our level today,” Olson said.

Two Tommie goalies combined to stop all 14 shots they faced, and the team now has six shutouts this season and have allowed just 15 goals in its last 16 games.

Senior forward Greta Omann said the conference playoff standings also motivated the team.

“We came into today knowing that we need these next three wins in order to get into the playoffs the way we want to,” Omann said. “We want to hold a solid spot in the standings.”

If the Tommies sweep Hamline in their final series of the regular season next weekend, they can secure the No. 3-playoff seed.

St. Thomas got off to a strong start in the game’s opening minutes. Freshman forward Paige Baldwin scored her fourth goal of the season just four minutes into the game. Omann and freshman forward Katy Kvasnicka assisted on the goal. Although it was the lone goal of the period, the Tommies outshot the Auggies 13-4.

The Tommies dominated the second period. St. Thomas controlled the puck in the Auggies’ end and cashed in four goals. The first goal of the period was an unassisted slap shot by sophomore forward/defender Christina Rozeske.

Minutes later, Olson tallied her first goal of the game. Kvasnicka and senior defender Meghan Parker assisted on the play. Olson said she was just “in the right place at the right time” when she was able to convert on the power play and put her team ahead 3-0 in the second period.

Toward the end of the second period, senior forward Kaylee Keys netted a goal. Keys, who currently leads St. Thomas in points, brought her season point total to 17.

Olson added her second goal of the game at the end of the second period, scoring on the power-play to make it 5-0. Olson said that scoring on power-plays is always a “team effort,” but she was excited to contribute two goals.

“Scoring once in a game is great, but it is fun to score twice,” Olson said.

With conference playoffs quickly approaching, Olson said that she believes strong starts will help her team extend its season.

“We need to consistently come out strong in the first period,” Olson said. “It will not be easy to fight back if we get down in the beginning of the game.”

As a senior, Omann hopes her team can stay consistent.

“Our class has come up short every year,” Omann said. “We want to play our best and be proud of it, win or lose.”

Hayley Schnell can be reached at schn3912@stthomas.edu.