Most high school hockey programs do not have the roster or experience to make a run at a state tournament berth in their first season competing at the varsity high school league level.
Considering the fact that Gentry Academy only has two seniors and four juniors on its roster, the Stars have stood out and accomplished a lot this winter. After winning a 5-4 battle with defending Class 1A, Section 4 champion South St. Paul, Gentry Academy will soon get the chance to compete for a state title.
“It feels great to be a part of,” said Cara Sajevic, who scored three goals including the game-winner in the section championship. “It’s just awesome, we have a good coaching staff and great energy on the team.”
Gentry Academy is headed to the state tournament in the program’s first Minnesota State High School League season. Forward Cara Sajevic scored late for the go-ahead goal to finish a 5-4 victory in the Class 1A, Section 4 championship game.
Playing at Doug Woog Arena, the home arena for the Packers, Sajevic finished a hat trick by scoring in a scrum of players to put the Stars ahead with four minutes left in the third period. The sophomore also scored twice in the first period for Gentry Academy (17-2-0, 2-0-0).
South St. Paul (12-7-1, 8-2-0) at one point trailed 4-2 in the second period, but battled back with goals by Alida Ahern and Justice Rambaum to tie the game before intermission. Ella Reynolds and Sarah Wincentsen also scored for the Packers, ranked No. 6 in the Class 1A coaches' poll, in the section championship game.
Gentry Academy’s Riley Reeves and Rachel Agerter tallied goals for No. 2-1A Gentry Academy to go along with the three from Sajevic.
The MN Girls' Hockey Hub poll is for entertainment purposes only.