MITCHELL – The Aberdeen Cougars battled back twice on Saturday afternoon, but couldn’t get over the hump in a 3-2 loss to the Rushmore Thunder in the fifth place game at the State Girls’ Hockey Tournament.

Rushmore scored the only goal of the first period, and the Cougars tied the game just 21 seconds into the second period when Leah Kranzler scored an unassisted goal.

The Thunder again jumped ahead with a goal in the middle of the third period and the Cougars tied the score with 2:08 left when Kaylee Dixon found the back of the net on an assist from Rachel Siefken. However, the even score lasted just seven seconds as Rushmore buried the game-winning goal with 2:01 remaining.

The Cougars outshot the Thunder 28-19.

“It was a fight right to the end this state tournament. Our girls worked hard and gave it their all, but we just couldn’t get that last win,” said Aberdeen coach Amy Munsterman-Wills. “Regardless, I’m proud of how they showed up and competed. All in all, we made a lot of progress from the beginning of the season.”

Rushmore Thunder 1 0 2 – 3

Aberdeen Cougars 0 1 1 – 2

First Period: 1, RT, Anna Larson (Mallory Chisolm), :27.

Second Period: 2, AC, Leah Kranzler (unassisted), 16:39.

Third Period: 3, RT, Victoria Eggers (Satori Pongklub), 7:46; 4, AC, Kaylee Dixon (Rachel Siefken), 2:08; 5, RT, Aurora Valladolid (unassisted), 2:01.

Shots on Goal: Rushmore Thunder 19; Aberdeen Cougars 28.

Goalies: Rushmore Thunder, Bristol Simmons (26 saves); Aberdeen Cougars, Chloe Vikander (16 saves).