Blake graduated eight seniors from last year’s Class 1A state championship team, including Ms. Hockey winner Dani Cameranesi, leaving a young nucleus.

But the Bears are back in the state semifinals after getting two goals from sophomore Carly Bullock on Wednesday in a 3-2 quarterfinal victory over Alexandria at Xcel Energy Center.

Bullock’s second goal, her 47th of the season, broke a 1-1 tie late in the second period. Sophomore defenseman Sylvie Wallin made it 3-1 with a third period wrist shot, and eighth grade goaltender Anna Kruesel made the lead stand.

“Half the team is seventh, eighth and ninth-graders,” Blake coach Shawn Reid said. “I’m just very impressed with the poise they have played with all year long.”

Kruesel, who made 15 saves, acknowledged it’s been daunting playing goaltender for a defending state champion as an eighth-grader.

“My nerves were really, really bad in sections,” she said. “But just with everybody being really supportive, it’s gone a lot better.”

Bullock has at least one goal in 15 consecutive games for No. 2 seeded Blake (21-7-1).

“Since we have a very young team, I decided this year that I was going to have to step up and try to be a leader,” Bullock said. “I’ve got great linemates that pass it to me, and this team has just been great this year.”

Melissa Drown scored two goals and Amy Jost made 33 saves for Alexandria (14-12-1).

JOE CHRISTENSEN