Four goals from four different players built not only an early Proctor/Hermantown lead but confidence, too.

The defending Class 1A girls’ hockey state tournament champion Mirage dispatched newcomer Albert Lea 6-2 in Wednesday’s second quarterfinal game.

Proctor/Hermantown led 2-0 after the first period on goals from Nya Sieger and Jane Eckstrom. Goals by Mirage players Izy Fairchild and Hannah Graves bumped the lead to 4-0 early in the second period.

“That’s one of the philosophies we have as a program,” coach Emma Stauber said. “We have a lot of talented girls, and to spread out their talent and make three strong lines has kind of been our bread and butter.”

With the victory, the No. 3 seed Mirage (20-7-1) advanced to Friday’s semifinals and will face No. 2 Orono.

Liley Steven gave Albert Lea (14-11-1) a lift with her goal midway though the second period. But the Tigers couldn’t shrink their 4-1 deficit any further. Sieger’s second goal of the game, this one shorthanded, restored a four-goal Mirage advantage.

“It was definitely a good momentum-changer,” Sieger said.

Graves added her second goal in the third period. Then Albert Lea’s Esther Yoon popped a goal of her own.

The Tigers didn’t get the desired result. But that doesn’t change the team’s legacy as the first to break through and reach the state tournament.

“Growing up in southern Minnesota, it was like, ‘Can we get there?’” senior Lucy Stay said. “So, this is a dream come true. I’m so very thankful for this opportunity.”