The Hatchet hockey girls dropped a pair of games last week, but competed well in the process. They dropped a 4-1 contest to the defending state champs from Hayward on Tuesday, then fell 2-1 to Marshfield on Friday.
Erika Vallier notched an unassisted goal 4:12 into the first period to give THS a 1-0 lead. The Hurricanes tallied one goal per period, including a power play score with :29 left in the second, to hold a 3-1 lead late in the contest.
The Hatchets pulled goaltender Erin Sparks late for a chance at extra offense, and Hayward scored a meaningless goal on the open net with 25 seconds left. Amber Heidenreich had a pair of goals for the Hurricanes.
“It was a hard-fought battle,” THS coach Greg Vallier said. “The Hatchet girls played their best game of the season. We are looking forward to the future of this team.”
Saves–THS–Sparks 19-13-12–44. HHS–Noel Weber 2-5-2–9.
Tipped by Tigers
Tomahawk pressured the Tigers in the first period but couldn’t get it to pay off, then gave up a goal on each end of the second in the Friday, the 13th, home opener.
Vallier was able to convert a power play in the third, but it ended there since a goal was disallowed.
“The Hatchet girls came out flying and pushed the Marshfield goalie hard, the Hatchet girls could not get a puck by in the 1st period,” Vallier said. “The second period started out flat for the Hatchet girls and Marshfield scored a power play goal early. The Hatchet girls scored what would have been the tying goal only to have it called off due to a possible kick in.
“The Hatchets fought to try and tie the game and goalie Erin Sparks was pulled with a minute left but the Tigers held off the last push to win. Erin once again stole the show with 34 saves to lead the Great Northern Conference in save percentage and rank second in the state.”
Saves–THS–Sparks 6-15-15–36. MHS–Alexis Straughan 7-3-4–14.