Gusties Celebrate Title IX, Get Back on Winning Track

Your Gusties celebrated the 50th anniversary of Title IX in style, with a dominant performance. Read our write up below to check out the highlights from the game! More importantly though, we recognized 50 years of Title IX, with SO many Gusties. We were loud, proud, and we all showed up to support each other and continue to fight for gender equality!!

The Gustavus women’s soccer team was in a streak-snapping mood Saturday afternoon. Kirsten Poppen (So., Verona) scored what would be the game-winning goal, lifting the Gusties to 3-0 win over Concordia — putting an end to a five-game losing streak and a four-game offensive dry spell.

The first half was all Gusties, outshooting the Cobbers 13-2 through the first 45, including 6-0 in shots on goal. Poppen got the ball rolling for the Gusties 24 minutes into the first half, putting a penalty kick past Cobber goalkeeper Kaitlin Petrich to take the early 1-0 lead.

The Gusties carried their offensive pressure to the second half, as Rachel Rehnelt (Sr., Albert Lea) would push the lead to 2-0 just eight minutes in.

And it didn’t take the Gusties long to make it a 3-0 advantage — 2:12, to be exact – as Elin Swenson (So., Uppsala, Sweden) took a feed from Annika Lewis (Sr., Hudson, Wis.) and Cambelle Waldspurger (Fy., Mahtomedi) to beat Petrich for her third goal of the season.

The Gusties posted a clean sheet, holding the Cobbers to only six shots in the game. Abby Goodno (Sr., Little Canada) led the Gusties between the pipes for the first 78 minutes, making three saves, while Justine Holm (Sr., Shakopee) finished the shutout for Gustavus.

The Gusties also celebrated the 50th anniversary of Title IX — the landmark achievement that broke barriers for girls and women in athletics — prior to the game, with a celebration of Dr. Nicole LaVoi and recognition of all the current and former female student athletes.

The Gusties, now 5-6-1 overall and 2-4 in conference play, take to the road Wednesday, as they head to Augsburg for a 7:30 p.m. conference showdown in Minneapolis.

Mayo Clinic Fellowship Opens Doors to Passionate Gustie Researchers

At Gustavus, we want our students to gain valuable experiences on and off the field. We are so fortunate to be in an environment that allows us to gain incredible research opportunities to better prepare us to follow our passions in the classroom, and for our future. Check out this great article on scientific research opportunities at Gustavus! 

An advanced degree in the sciences takes years in the making, and at Gustavus, it often begins with undergraduate research. This summer, eight Gustie students were selected for the 2022 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) at Mayo Clinic. They conducted groundbreaking research at one of the country’s leading medical centers.

“It was great to see so many Gustavus students and have someone in my corner,” said Katie Lillemon ’24, a biochemistry and molecular biology major who lived in Rochester, MN, with two fellow Gusties during the program. “The fact that this opportunity has been made available to so many Gusties is just awesome.”

Lillemon, who was accepted to the Virology & Gene Therapy department, spent her summer studying how COVID-19 infects infects cardiovascular cells. Other research areas included bioengineering, immunology, and neuroscience.

Lillemon began her journey as an undergraduate researcher through the First-Year Research Experience (FYRE) Program at Gustavus, which helped her make the leap to research at a large institution. Working with professors and fellow students in FYRE taught her valuable lessons that transferred well to the larger stage of Mayo Clinic research. For instance, she said, “It’s really important to plan everything out and establish good teamwork, because science doesn’t get anywhere without collaboration.”

“Establishing connections makes a huge difference,” said Ashley Ley ’23, who conducted research on prostate cancer cells in the clinic’s biochemistry department. During her ten weeks at Mayo, she also networked with research professors and PhD students, and even sat down for a one-on-one conversation with a former Mayo Clinic dean who gave her advice on applying to graduate school.

“Everyone said the most important thing is to be prepared. And remember that institutions are investing in a person, not just a researcher, so talk about your interests and passions.”

For both Ley and Lillemon, their passion for answering fundamental questions about our world stretches back to childhood. While Ley endeavored to understand the ins and outs of her family’s dairy farm, Lillemon poured over microscope slides from her mother’s lab.

When they discovered that their natural curiosity could turn into a career path, everything shifted. “I just have lots of questions,” said Lillemon, “and having a career where your job is to answer life’s biggest questions is so exciting to me. We get to discover things every day.”

“I can do this forever!” said Ley, a biochemistry & molecular biology and chemistry double major. “I can ask a question and then do something to figure it out. And it’s an amazing way to give back, because the research you do ultimately will help people.”

Last summer, Ley landed a research fellowship at the University of Iowa after connecting with a researcher during a Gustavus chemistry seminar. Despite having experience at another large research lab, Ley found she still had much to learn at Mayo. “Every lab is run differently,” she explained. “Still, my summer experiences have helped me feel more prepared and more confident in my ability to work in a professional lab setting.”

When it comes to a career in the sciences, Gustavus students are at an advantage because they are encouraged to develop interests outside their majors. “Schoolwork gets exhausting, and after a certain amount of time, I need a break,” said Ley, who’s also minoring in music. “Having music to turn to as an outlet is huge for me.”

That liberal arts background, combined with an array of research opportunities, leaves Gusties prepared to take on the challenges of an ever-evolving field.

“We discover things every day,” said Lillemon. “We have so many resources available for us to discover the world; it’s such a privilege. It makes me excited to think about the future.”

2022 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows:
Tessa Bierbaum ’23, biology
Kade Copple ’24, biochemistry & molecular biology
Kimberly Hareland ’24, biochemistry & molecular biology and chemistry
Ashley Ley ’23, biochemistry & molecular biology and chemistry
Katie Lillemon ’24, biochemistry & molecular biology
Angel Obiorah ’24, chemistry
Blake Power ’23, biochemistry & molecular biology
Annabel Smith ’24, biochemistry & molecular biology

For Ley, Lillemon, and their cohort, this summer research experience was made possible through the Gilyard Peterson Scholarship, established by Tim Peterson ’83 in honor of his friend, Scott Gilyard ’83, who died of leukemia in 2021.

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Media Contact: Director of Media Relations and Internal Communication Luc Hatlestad
luch@gustavus.edu
507-933-7510

MIAC, Here We Come!

Your Gusties took off on the road again, but this time, went to Iowa and Wisconsin for two very competitive non-conference games. We battled hard to a 1-1 draw vs. a hard-nosed Dubuque team, and came up just short vs. Eau Claire. Although, not the result, we had hoped for, we were incredibly proud of our effort and execution of our gameplan. While the crossbar and post denied us a couple times, our high press was lights out, we created multiple dangerous opportunities, and our Gustie Tempo was on fire! Check out the full Eau Claire game write up below, to see how bright your Gusties shined!

The Gustavus women’s soccer team entered Sunday’s non-conference competition against UW-Eau Claire still undefeated on the 2022 season, with two of three wins coming in comeback fashion.

Each time they had fallen behind by a goal, the Gusties were able to recover with a goal of their own. Unfortunately, that comeback streak had to end at some point, as the Blugolds dealt the Gusties their first loss of the season, 1-0.

The Gusties were given a chance to take the lead early, as Kirsten Poppen (So., Verona) was awarded a penalty kick just 13 minutes into the first half. Poppen’s shot would sail left of the goal, and UW-Eau Claire’s defense would stifle the Gusties for the remainder of the game.

“Soccer is an unforgiving sport at times and we saw that today,” said Coach Laura Burnett-Kurie. “We played an exceptional first half, hit two posts and a crossbar throughout the game and impressed with our high press and movement off the ball. We are proud of the team and, despite the score line, made great adjustments and improvident from Friday.”

After managing just one shot attempt in the game’s first 50 minutes, the Blugolds were able to put one past Claire Hemstock (Jr., North Mankato) in the final 20 minutes of regulation, as Amanda Iverson netted her first of the season off of an assist from Megan Hansen.

While the Gusties held the shot advantage, 9-3, UW-Eau Claire goalkeeper Kennedy Boll was flawless between the pipes, posting a two-save shutout.

“We walked away from today with confidence in ourselves and know the potential this group has. We are excited to start conference play on Wednesday.”

The Gusties (3-1-1 overall) return to MIAC action on Wednesday, hosting their first conference game of the season for a 4 p.m. showdown against St. Scholastica.

Back at HOME!

 While, we had a great time in California, getting to know each other better, exploring the LA area, and playing two fantastic games, we were eager to get back to St. Peter, MN! We were feeling confident yesterday, and started the game off hot, by immediately converting opportunities into goals! This was a great team win for everyone, and we are going to keep pushing forward! 

It had been 25 years since the Gustavus women’s soccer team started its season with three consecutive wins.

That all changed this Wednesday, as the Gusties dominated Bethany Lutheran by a score of 6-0 in their 2022 home opener.

The scoring started early in the first half, as Lauren Rocheford (Fy., Inver Grove Heights) picked up her first collegiate goal off of a pass from Molly Waters (Sr., Lakeville) just one minute into the game.

Cambelle Waldspurger (Fy., Mahtomedi) would add the second of the game and the third of her career — and third in as many games — just one day after being named MIAC Women’s Soccer Offensive Player of the Week.

And the Gusties would not stop there.

Lillian Selberg (So., Minneapolis) netted the third goal of the game, off of a pass from Alexis Lin (Albuquerque, N.M.) for Selberg’s first goal of the year and Lin’s first collegiate point. Gabby Rodriguez (So., Waseca) rounded out the total at four in the first 45 minutes — equaling the Gusties’ total goals on the season, in just the first half.

The Gusties would go on to add two more tallies, one from Jordan Oelkers (So., Byron) — a collegiate first — and the final blow off the foot of Annika Lewis (Sr., Hudson, Wis.) for her first goal of the season.

The trio of Gustie goalkeepers split the shutout, with Abby Goodno (Sr., Little Canada) facing the Vikings in the first half, followed by shutout performances from Claire Hemstock (Jr., North Mankato) and Justine Holm (Sr., Shakopee), with Holm facing all three of the Vikings’ shots on goal.

“Today was a super fun game and team win. It was incredible to play all 31 players while maintaining control of the game,” said Coach Laura Burnett-Kurie on her team’s convincing performance. “We wanted to start strong, focus on the little details and continue to build our trust and interchanging positions on the field.”

“To get on the scoreboard with six different goal scorers, with six different assisters is something special. We are excited to see our continued development and are ready for two more tough games this weekend.”

The Gusties are back in action Sept. 9, for a 7 p.m. away contest against Dubuque, followed by another non-conference showdown against UW-Eau Claire on Sept. 11.

Starting Off 2022 with a Bang!

After a FANTASTIC preseason, your Gusties headed out to California to execute what we've been working on! Check out the full write up of a truly exciting game below!

While Chapman was on the board first, the Gusties dominated the second half en route to a 2-1 non-conference victory over the Panthers.

Chapman’s Lily Jose opened the scoring for the game, netting one past Gustie goalkeeper Abby Goodno (Sr., Little Canada) following a shot off the foot of Emma Harper.

Staring at a 1-0 deficit after the first half, the Gusties erupted for a pair of second half goals that would prove to be enough to bring them to victory.

“We went a goal down, but kept our heads up and kept pushing forward,” said Coach Laura Burnett-Kurie. And pushed forward they did.

Ellen Becken (So., Prior Lake) netted the first goal of the season — and the first of her collegiate career — to tie the game just three minutes into the second half. Lauren Rocheford (Fy., Inver Grove Heights) picked up her first and second collegiate point, assisting both Gustie goals.

Cambelle Waldspurger (Fy., Mahtomedi) wasted no time adding to the tally, beating Panther goalkeeper Maia Mills for her first collegiate goal in her first collegiate game — just seven minutes after Becken’s goal.

“Our first goal was an unbelievable team goal with a fantastic build up and finish. We fed off that adrenaline and had another great goal to take the lead.”

The Gusties would maintain that lead thanks to a second half shutout from Goodno, who made eight saves in the team’s first victory of the season, seven of which came in the second half.

“It was a great team win, with every player on the team playing a huge role. We showed the West Coast what true team camaraderie looks like with our bench as the backbone. It was a great start to the season!”

The Gusties are back in action on Saturday, heading to Thousand Oaks, Calif. for a 7 p.m. non-conference game against Cal Lutheran.

SPRING SEASON HAS STARTED!!!

The Women's Gustie Soccer team had their first spring practice of the spring season since 2019 and it was awesome, WA WHOO! The team brought out a ton of energy and excitement to be back practicing. There were 3 goals of practice; have fun, possession and competitiveness and the team crushed it. Although they are still shaking off some cobwebs, it's going to be a great spring season where everyone can grow individually and as a team. Go Gusties!!!

Your Gusties focused on building their possession throughout the practice. Moving with our first touch, keeping our hips open to the field and interchanging positions were key moments we focused on. Every game we played was competitive, and with a focus on the key parts of possession, the Gusties found ways to get 1% better in all areas. 

The high energy and positivity brought to the field by every single member was absolutely contagious, and helped propel us forward. We cannot wait to continue to grow as individuals and as a team this spring, to get better together!

Another MIAC Championship!

The Gustavus Women's Hockey team are MIAC Champions for the 15th time in program history. The Gusties really brought the heat from the very beginning and scored the first two goals within 7 minutes of the game starting. The Gusties solidified the win, winning 6-1 against Hamline, way to go Gusties! Come support the Women's Hockey Team at their next home game Wednesday March 9th at 7pm as they take on the Eau Claire Blugolds. Goodluck Gusties!

photo courtesy of David Faulkner, SPX Sports

BOX SCORE | PHOTO GALLERY

SAINT PETER, Minn. – For the 15th time in program history, the Gustavus women’s hockey team is going dancing at the NCAA tournament after a decisive 6-1 victory over Hamline in the MIAC playoff championship Saturday at Don Roberts Ice Rink. After winning the MIAC regular season title, the Gusties rolled through the playoffs by outscoring their opponents 16-2 to capture the program’s 13th MIAC playoff championship.

Gustavus (22-3-2) now waits for Sunday night’s selection show to see who, when, and where it will play in the 10-team national tournament. The selection show airs on NCAA.com at 7:30 p.m. CST.

In front of a nearly packed house at Don Roberts Ice Rink, the Gusties didn’t take long to light the lamp. Gustavus found itself on the penalty kill four minutes into the game, but Hailey Holland (Jr., Aberdeen, S.D.) took advantage of a turnover at the Gustie blue line and broke away for an unassisted short-handed goal at the 5:31 mark. Just over a minute later, Molly McHugh’s (Jr., Minnetonka) shot was rebounded to Hannah Gray (Fy., Stillwater) for the put-back goal and the Gusties maintained a 2-0 lead at the first intermission.

“Today there was a little more bounce in their step from the get-go,” Head Coach Mike Carroll said of his team. “I had a sense that they were ready to rock and they certainly were. They played really well and I think the great crowd might have gotten them too amped up for a while because we took a couple penalties that we don’t normally take. But it was great to see us slide through that and once we had a couple goal lead we changed our forecheck up and that turned out well.”

Nearly seven minutes into the second period, Hamline’s leading scorer Sophie Rausch broke away and went top shelf for a goal, but it proved to be the only score for the Pipers throughout the game. The Gusties answered less than two minutes later on the power play. Brooke Power (So., Lakeville) scored her MIAC-leading 22nd goal of the season on a one-timer, assisted by Holland and Emily Olson (Jr., Delano). The score remained 3-1 at the second break.

The Gusties went up 4-1 just 1:27 into the third as Kayla Vrieze (Sr., Eagan) fired a shot from high in the slot, which was redirected into the net by Tina Press (Sr., Cottage Grove). Power was also credited with an assist. Olson added an insurance goal at the 8:31 mark with the help of Power. Heather Olinger (Jr., Prior Lake) put the finishing touches on the victory with her first goal of the season on an empty net with 1:07 left in the game.

In a physical game from the beginning that featured nine combined penalties, the Gusties went 2-for-4 on the power play and killed Hamline’s lone power play.

“We’ve been battle tested against physical teams all year and that’s something the players have worked hard on,” Carroll said. “Our girls have done a really good job battling through that and the best way to respond to that is to keep moving your feet, and that’s what they were doing today.”

Katie McCoy (Jr., Grafton, Wis.) earned her 19th win in goal after making 10 saves.