The Aberdeen Cougar girls’ hockey team was forced to take an alternate route Sunday morning, but still ended up in the same destination as Saturday at the Odde Ice Center.

The Cougars recorded a 7-0 victory over Sioux Center, but unlike their 5-0 win on Saturday had a slower start as they figured out how to handle a change in scheme by the Storm.

“Sioux Center changed their forecheck and defensive zone coverage today,” said Cougars coach Rob Weinmeister, “and it took us a little bit to figure out how to adjust and move the puck.”

It was just a matter of time before the host squad came up with a solution and once it did, it was right back to business as normal.

“Once we adjusted and started using the width of the ice, I felt that our depth started to take over and create more opportunities,” Weinmeister said.

Aberdeen took control with three goals in the second period and four more in the third.

Alyssa Roehrich scored the team’s first two goals, before Kailyn Poppen accounted for two of Aberdeen’s next three goals. Poppen, who had two assists total, assisted on one of Roehrich’s goals, while Roehrich returned the favor on one of Poppen’s goals.

“They have played together for a couple years and communicate with each other really well,” Weinmeister said. “They are a perfect example of girls who come out and give 110 percent every shift.”

Rachel Siefken, Addyson Keller, and Aiden Raap each added goals for the Cougars, who outshot Sioux Center 32-10.

The Cougars now head to Jamestown, N.D. for a non-league contest this evening. Last season, the North Dakota squad won a matchup at the Odde Ice Center.

“It will challenge us not only in the speed of the game, but how quickly we make decisions and react,” Weinmeister said. “It also provides a challenge with three games in three days this early in the season. Hopefully, the shorter shifts we have stressed early this year will help our legs (Monday) night.”

Sioux Center 0 0 0 – 0

Aberdeen Cougars 0 3 4 – 7

First Period: no scoring.

Second Period: 1, AC, Alyssa Roehrich (Aiden Raap), 15:20; 2, AC, Roehrich (Kailyn Poppen), 14:43; 3, AC, Poppen (unassisted), 9:10.

Third Period: 4, AC, Rachel Siefken (Morgan Jones), 11:35; 5, AC, Poppen (Roehrich, Raniesa Mattke), 3:26; 6, AC, Addyson Keller (Rylee Hepper, Kaylee Dixon), 2:30; 7, AC, Raap (Poppen), 1:08.

Shots on Goal: Sioux Center 10; Aberdeen Cougars 32.

Goalies: Sioux Center, Victoria Pendergrass (25 saves); Aberdeen Cougars, Chloe Vikander (10 saves).