SIOUX FALLS – In battle between teams on top of the league standings, it was somehow fitting that the contest was decided in overtime.
The Sioux Falls Flyers scored in the final minutes of the extra session to edge the Aberdeen Cougars 2-1 in girls’ hockey action on Monday afternoon.
“It was a fun fast-paced game,” said Aberdeen coach Rob Weinmeister. “I thought the girls gave great effort. Sioux Falls was just able to make a few more plays than us.”
The Flyers scored a goal in the opening period on a difficult angle.
“Unfortunately they got their goal in the first on a shot from the top of the circle that just caught the corner of wide-side low,” Weinmeister said. “It gave them some life in the first.”
The Cougars tied the game in the second on a goal by Allison Woehl off an assist by Raniesa Mattke.
“We battled back,” Weinmeister said. “I thought we played a good second period other than a few minutes toward the end, but we were able to tie it up at 1.”
After a scoreless third period, the Flyers produced the game-winner on a shot by Aniston Murray with 1:45 remaining.
“We gave up another long shot with only a few minutes left in OT on a situation where we had the numbers and should’ve not allowed the shot,” Weinmeister said. “The young lady made a heck of a shot.”
As a result, Sioux Falls won the league title outright, denying the Cougars a share of the crown and avenging an earlier setback in Aberdeen.
The Cougars conclude their regular-season with three non-league game this weekend against teams from Minnesota on Saturday and Sunday.
Aberdeen Cougars 0 1 0 0 – 1
Sioux Falls Flyers 1 0 0 1 – 2
First Period: 1, SF, Ragyn Peska (Rylan Peska, Adriana Clark), 12:10.
Second Period: 2, AC, Allison Woehl (Raniesa Mattke), 12:13.
Third Period: no scoring.
Overtime: 3, SF, Aniston Murray (Emma Honner), 1:45.
Shots on Goal: Aberdeen Cougars 23; Sioux Falls Flyers 33.
Goalies: Aberdeen Cougars, Chloe Vikander (31 saves); Sioux Falls Flyers, Sydney Fornwald (22 saves).