BROOKINGS – For the second time in 10 days, the Aberdeen Cougars held their own against the state’s top team in Brookings before falling 2-0 in girls’ hockey action on Sunday afternoon.
It was the identical score of a game in Aberdeen recently.
While the Cougars fell short, their effort was better than what it was in a loss to Mitchell on Saturday, according to Aberdeen coach Amy Munsterman-Wills.
“(Saturday) against Mitchell, we didn’t show up the way I know we can,” Munsterman-Wills said, “but today against Brookings we came ready both physically and mentally, and competed hard for all three periods.”
The game was scoreless until the Rangers got on the board with 27 seconds left in the second period. Brookings then added a goal early in the third for the final margin of difference.
The Rangers outshot Aberdeen 35-28.
“We had a couple moments we’d like back that put us behind,” Munsterman-Wills said, “but we continued to create good opportunities in front of the net and just couldn’t quite turn them into goals today.”
Chloe Vikander had 33 saves for the Cougars.
If things remain the same in the league standings, the two teams could meet each other in the opening round of the state tournament later this month. If that were to happen, Aberdeen would not back down from the challenge.
“I feel confident about that matchup, especially after playing them three times now and seeing how close the last two games have been,” Munsterman-Wills said. “We’ve shown we can keep up with them – today we were tied 0-0 until the final 30 seconds of the second period. If we come out with the same intensity and compete level we’ve had in the last two matchups, it’ll be a really good game.”
The Cougars head to Pierre to face Oahe on Saturday.
Aberdeen Cougars 0 0 0 – 0
Brookings Rangers 0 1 1 – 2
First Period: No scoring.
Second Period: 1, BR, Kinzey Grendler (unassisted), :27.
Third Period: 2, BR, Anna Rasmussen (Miyah Foerster), 15:55.
Shots on Goal: Aberdeen Cougars 28; Brookings Rangers 35
Goalies: Aberdeen Cougars, Chloe Vikander (33 saves); Brookings Rangers, Rorii Quam (28 saves).
