Eagan's Taylor Anderson and Jenna Ruiz (left) celebrate after Anderson put the puck past Hill Murray goalie Ava Bailey in the second period. Photo: Brian Peterson * brian.peterson@startribune.com
Keen game observation and film study of Hill-Murray revealed an opportunity, and when Eagan’s Taylor Anderson got the chance in real time, she pounced.
Anderson intercepted an attempted breakout pass by the Pioneers and converted for the game-winning goal in Eagan’s 2-1 upset victory Thursday in the Class 2A quarterfinals at Xcel Energy Center.
Eagan’s defeat of No. 3 seed Hill-Murray broke a 25-game winning streak in the quarterfinals by higher-seeded teams.
“We were watching them try to do that stretch pass,” Anderson said. “I figured, get up there and cut it off and I might have a breakaway and that’s exactly what happened.”
Photo gallery: Eagan vs. Hill-Murray, Centennial vs. Lakeville South
Not exactly. An alert Hill-Murray (24-5) defender tried thwarting Anderson’s rush.
“I knew I wouldn’t get a good shot; she’d block it,” Anderson said. “So I had to make a quick move.”
Anderson’s goal came with 24 seconds left in the second period. Ahead 2-0, Eagan (23-5-2) traded aggressive defense for a more controlled approach.
Hill-Murray outshot the Wildcats 13-2 in the third period but got only a Kennedy Morris goal. The Pioneers also had a goal waved off because the puck was kicked.
Coach Bill Schafhauser had never lost in six previous state tournament quarterfinal games.
“It was tough to know what to say after the game,” he said. “I never had to make that speech. Eagan played awesome. If we would have played the first and second period like we did in the third, it might have been a better outcome. But it ended up being too late.”
Eagan upset No. 3 seed Hill-Murray in a 2-1 victory Thursday in the Class 2A girls’ hockey state tournament quarterfinal game played at Xcel Energy Center.
Eagan (23-5-2) got goals in the second period Jenna Ruiz and Taylor Anderson, the latter coming on with 24 seconds left in the period.
Hill-Murray (24-5) scored in the third period but got no closer.
Eagan’s victory broke a 25-game tournament quarterfinals winning streak by higher-seeded teams.
Check back later for more on the game.
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