In a game that looked weirdly similar to last year’s version, Breck got started quickly and never stopped, nearly shutting out New Ulm 12-1 in the quarterfinals of the Class 1A tournament at the Xcel Energy Center on Wednesday.

The Mustangs, who shut out the same team 10-0 last year in the same round, spread around the offense. Prentice Basten recorded a hat trick in the second period alone, and had seven points overall to lead the team.

“It’s definitely one of the best feelings ever,” Basten said. “I was just thinking of getting through the first game, and everyone was telling me all these things, what to expect. It was a great feeling.”

Breck controlled the game from the start, hitting Eagles goalie Shalyn Salonek with a barrage of shots, and then connecting for three goals within two minutes of clock time. Then, in the second period, it pulled out all the stops. The Mustangs controlled the puck for most of the period, making crisp passes and hitting clean shots, while New Ulm struggled to make it across center ice. The Mustangs outshot the Eagles 55-6.

After starting out their second consecutive tournament run, the Breck girls agreed they are starting to feel more and more comfortable on the big stage.

“I think we had some jitters in the first, and then I think everyone kind of just settled down and got used to the atmosphere,” said senior Kayla Mork, who scored Breck’s fourth goal 33 seconds into the second and another goal later in the period. “We’re peaking at the right time.”

Also scoring for Breck were Milica McMillen, Katherine Schipper, Karina Marette, Carly Schader (two), Caroline Grothe and Natalie Roberts.