MITCHELL – The Aberdeen Cougars recorded a bounce-back victory at the State Girls’ Hockey Tournament on Friday afternoon. The Cougars blanked the Sioux Center Storm 3-0.

After a scoreless first period, Aberdeen got on the scored in the second period when Leah Kranzler found the back of the net off assists from Addyson Keller and Kaylee Dixon.

The Cougars then put the finishing touches on the victory with a pair of third-period goals.

Rachel Siefken and Dixon scored goals just 24 seconds part. Kranzler capped her day with an assist on the Dixon goal.

“We had a slow start in the first period, but came back in the second and third with a little more speed and played hocked the way we know how to play,” said Cougars coach Amy Munsterman-Wills.

Meanwhile, Chloe Vikander continued her strong play in the tournament. One day after stopping 44 shots in a triple overtime setback to Watertown on Thursday, Vikander did not allow a goal against the Storm.

“Chloe had an incredible save in the first period, robbing a goal from the back door,” Munsterman-Wills said. “She’s been playing phenomenal and once again helped keep us in the game.”

The Cougars had gone four regular periods and three overtime sessions without scoring before Kranzler kick started the offense against the Storm.

“Leah’s goal in the second was the boost we needed,” Munsterman-Wills said, “and the girls fed off that momentum and were able to put two more in.”

Aberdeen will now play for fifth place today against the Rushmore Thunder at 1 this afternoon.

Sioux Center Storm 0 0 0 – 0

Aberdeen Cougars 0 1 2 – 3

First Period: no scoring.

Second Period: 1, AC, Leah Kranzler (Addyson Keller, Kaylee Dixon), 15:49.

Third Period: 2, AC, Rachel Siefken (Kylie Herman), 12:22; 3, AC, Dixon (Kranzler), 11:58.

Shots on Goal: Sioux Center Storm 13; Aberdeen Cougars 25.

Goalies: Sioux Center Storm, Hailey Schumacher (19 saves), Victoria Pendergrass (3 saves); Aberdeen Cougars, Chloe Vikander (13 saves).