In a defensive battle, junior goaltender Anna Kreusel earned a shutout win for Blake, ranked No. 1 in Class 1A by the state coaches' poll, saving 23 shots, as the Bears defeated No.4-2A Elk River in the Kaposia Classic Invitational championship at Doug Woog Arena on Saturday night. 

Blake (11-2-1, 1-0) freshman Adelaide Burton scored 1:32 into the first period, and from then on the defense took over. Kruesal was a force in the net, and Blake’s defenders shut down many of the Elks' passing lanes.

Both teams created plenty of offensive chances, but every time the puck came close, defenders swept it away and out of danger.

Elk River (12-3, 8-1) sophomore goaltender Megan Jung stopped 23 shots to keep her team within striking distance. Ultimately, Blake’s defense prevailed sealing the victory and the Kaposia Classic Invitational title.