Maple Grove's Mannon McMahon (10) and Minnetonka's Kate Hoelscher (3) fought for the puck in the first period. Photo: CARLOS GONZALEZ • cgonzalez@startribune.com
Minnetonka girls’ hockey coach Eric Johnson joked that he implored his team “about 20 times” to not lose their lead to dogged Maple Grove.
Drama existed throughout the Skippers’ 7-4 quarterfinal victory. Ahead 4-2 after two periods, No. 5 seed Minnetonka (15-13-1) traded goals with the Crimson throughout the third period.
Maple Grove nearly cut its deficit to one but Skippers’ defender Hanna Baskin swept away a puck that dribbled past her goalie.
In the offensive zone, Minnetonka found ways to beat stellar Maple Grove goaltender Lucy Morgan whether by tip or by rip.
Morgan entered the game with strong numbers for goals-against average (1.46), save percentage (94) and shutouts (seven). She allowed three or more goals only twice all season and made 36 saves in a 3-2 overtime victory Nov. 29 at Minnetonka.
The Skippers knew they had to be creative in the rematch. Olivia Meredith and Emily Bayless put just enough English on teammates’ shots to beat Morgan.
Whether by tip or by rip, Minnetonka found ways to beat stellar Maple Grove goaltender Lucy Morgan throughout a 7-4 quarterfinal victory Thursday at Xcel Energy Center.
No. 5 seed Minnetonka (15-13-1) fell behind early in the Class 2A quarterfinal as one of Maple Grove’s four shots on goal in the first period found the mark. Tristana Tatur’s goal at 6:49 made it 1-0.
But No. 4 seed Maple Grove (19-8-1) couldn’t hold the lead.
Morgan entered the game with strong numbers for goals-against average (1.46), save percentage (94) and shutouts (seven). She allowed three or more goals only twice all season and made 36 saves in a 3-2 overtime victory at Minnetonka on Nov. 29.
The Skippers knew they had to be creative in the rematch. Olivia Meredith tipped a shot from the point and tied the game 1-1. She got the blade of her stick on a puck shot by Hanna’s Baskin and redirected it into the net.