Both teams played fast-paced hockey Friday, and the Ponies’ win appeared to mean more than most other November non-conference games.

“It’s always a big game,” said Nelson, who also scored the game-winner for Stillwater in last March’s section championship game. “They are one of our biggest rivals, and I think playing them, the energy is always high before the game. We all always come ready to play.”

Clinching the victory was not easy. Hill-Murray led in shots 23-9 in the final period, including multiple power-play chances from four Stillwater penalties.

Goaltender Lily Timmons held strong, making 43 total saves in Friday’s win.

“I think Lily was a really big factor in that,” Nelson said about the third-period stand. “She held us up. She played one of the best games I’ve seen her play. I think as a team, we kept grinding.”

Friday’s game displayed how young, talented players can make a difference for varsity high school hockey teams. Stillwater’s goal scorers Nelson and Finn are sophomores, and Hill-Murray’s first-period goal came from freshman Ella Hornung.

With only five seniors on the roster, the Ponies will rely on contributions this winter from young players. Many of them are returning after playing significant roles on last year’s state tournament team.

“I would say we are very similar to last year, but the younger girls are a year older, so that makes a difference,” head coach Mira Jalosuo said.

While both Stillwater and Hill-Murray looked formidable Friday, it is no guarantee these two teams will meet again in the section championship game. Newcomer Gentry Academy is included in the section field, moving up to Class 2A after losing in the Class 1A state championship game last year.

Many of the players from the Stars were in attendance Friday, getting a firsthand look at other section opponents. If adding a team like Gentry Academy makes the section field a bigger challenge, Stillwater is ready.

“I love it. I love to play top opponents,” Jalosuo said. “If you look at our non-conference games, we are playing the top teams in the whole state. So it’s the same thing in the section. If you want to win the state, you have to play the best teams.”