Caitlin Reilly took a pass from Kelly Pannek and flicked a wrist shot into an open net with under a minute left to put second-ranked Benilde-St. Margaret's up 4-2 on No. 4 Minnetonka.

Wednesday night's victory was the second hat trick in as many games for Reilly in Section 6AA quarterfinal and semifinal action. The senior scored 36 goals and dished out 33 assists during the regular season for the Red Knights (23-2-1), who now have a Valentine's Day date with Wayzata for a spot in the state tournament.

But Reilly has had to work through some tough times. After breaking her ankle two years ago and having the pins taken out before last season, BSM head coach Dave Herbst said Reilly played with a lot of pain during her junior campaign.

Then she was fully healthy for her senior season.

"I told everybody that she's going to be one of the top players in the state and she is," Herbst said. "She just brings it every night … she's got so much speed and awareness on the ice out there. She's just got so much talent and she wants to win."

The Penn State commit scored three goals and handed out four assists in BSM's 8-0 smashing of North Metro on Feb. 8. Wednesday night was Reilly's fifth hat trick of the season and she's nailed 11 goals BSM's past five games.

What's been the secret for the outpouring of goals lately?

"Well, I have been getting more sleep lately," Reilly chuckled. "But our practices have been upbeat, more intense and we just know everything is coming down to the end. I'm just trying my best and doing what I can."

The Red Knights are on a roll as of late, no doubt thanks to Reilly's scorching-hot play. Friday's matchup with Wayzata will be the second meeting of the season between the two teams. BSM tied with the Trojans 3-3 back on Nov. 21., with Reilly notching two goals.

Reilly said playing Wayzata earlier in the season will help because BSM won't be caught off-guard with the Trojans' style.

"If we play like we did tonight, move our feet, get the puck deep and beat them to the puck, we'll score goals and I don't think we'll have a problem," Reilly said.