Edina's Lolita Fidler (12) guided the puck into the net and past Brainerd goalie Nicole Schulz for a second period goal. At right was teammate CC Bowlby (13). Photo: JEFF WHEELER • jeff.wheeler@startribune.com
It was all Edina as the No. 1 seed defeated tournament-newcomer Brainerd 4-0 in the Class 2A quarterfinal Thursday at Xcel Energy Center.
Four players scored goals for the Hornets (26-2-1) en route to their 12th shutout victory of the season. Edina, the defending state champions, has not lost in regulation since a 3-2 loss to Class 2A semifinalist Centennial on Dec. 22.
“I think we had a couple good periods, but I think we have another level,” Edina coach Sami Reber said.
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Edina took a 2-0 lead in the first period on senior Emily Oden’s team-leading 32nd goal of the season just two minutes, two seconds into the game.
Later in the period, the Hornets capitalized on a 5-on-3 advantage on a pretty passing play from junior Annie Kuehl, who sent the puck across the front of the net to a waiting Tella Jungels, who scored her fifth goal of the season.
CC Bowlby and Olivia Swaim added goals in the second period. The defense held the Warriors (23-6-0) to just 10 shots on goal.
“We focused on minimizing their shots and using our bodies to block their shots,” Edina senior defenseman Brooke Tucker said.
Brainerd coach Jim Ernster knew his team, in its first state appearance, needed to minimize turnovers in the game if it was to be successful.
“To beat a team like that, you have to play close to a perfect game because they’re going to capitalize on anything and everything,” Ernster said.
First report
It was all Edina as the No. 1 seed defeated Class 2A tournament-newcomer Brainerd 4-0 in the quarterfinals Thursday evening at Xcel Energy Center.
Four players scored goals for the Hornets (26-2-1) en route to their 12th shutout victory of the season. Their winning streak also got bumped to 12 games. They haven’t lost in regulation since a 3-2 loss to Class 2A semifinalist Centennial on Dec. 22.
Emily Oden and Tella Jungels scored in the first period, while CC Bowlby and Olivia Swaim scored in the second period. Jungels scored during a 5-on-3 advantage. Bowlby’s goal also came on the power play.
Edina senior goaltender Megan Smith made 10 saves.
Brainerd (23-6-0) goalie Nicole Schulz made 28 saves. The Warriors are making their first state tournament appearance after a triple-overtime victory over Roseau in the Section 8 final.
Check back later for more on the game.
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