Minnesota Class 2A girls hockey state tournament: Gentry Academy rolls Moorhead
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The No. 4-seed Gentry Academy stars defeated the No.-5 seeded Moorhead Spuds in the Class 2A state tournament quarterfinal at Xcel Energy Center.
Gentry academy came out the gates firing, scoring four goals in the first period en route to a 7-0 victory.
Cara Sajevic lead the way for the Stars by scoring three goals on the night.
First period execution
Gentry Academy came into this state tournament looking to make a statement. Despite being 25-2, the stars only received the fourth seed in the tournament.
Gentry Academy opened the first period on fire as University of St. Thomas commit Sajevic got the scoring started just five minutes into the game.
Just three minutes later, Sajevic again who found the back of the net, this time short-handed.
“Me and my linemates, were just making great plays throughout the first period,” Sajevic said. “One of my linemates rang it around the boards, and then I was able to get the breakaway and finish.”
Sajevic would add one more goal later in the period to complete the first period hat trick.
It wasn't a perfect period though for the Stars. Head coach Billy Hengen thought there was definitely room for improvement.
“I didn't think we played well that period other than the few scoring chances that we got that,” Hengen said. “For Sajevic to be able to bury those goals, and our defenseman's ability to get those odd man rushes started was huge for us.”
Though the Stars did have four goals, they only outshot the Spuds 16-13. The Spuds were able to have some success on the forecheck and got their fair share of shots on Gentry Academy goaltender Zoe Laming.
“The first period, I don't think we played well defensively, but as the game went on we were able to figure it out,” Laming said. The goaltender made 22 saves on the night to preserve the shutout for the Stars. Gentry Academy added three more goals in the third to put a stamp on what was an impressive opening game performance.
New kids on the block
For the second straight year, Edina, Andover and Minnetonka have all advanced to the semifinals. This year, it's Genty Academy that will join them in the semifinals as the stars first year in Class 2A has already been a success.
The Stars will face off against Minnetonka tomorrow night for a spot in the state championship.
“We need to play hard and come out fast tomorrow," defenseman Julianna Gazdik said. “Sometimes we struggle in the first period, but if we get our feet moving quick and get the puck deep we shouldn't have a problem with anybody we face.”
Head coach Billy Hengen has talked about the importance of at least hitting the four-goal mark.
“As we go down the stretch and were playing the Hill-Murray’s or the Minnetonka’s, four goals will win you any game, especially in this environment," he said.
Minnetonka and Gentry Academy will play February 24 at 8 p.m. at the Ccel energy center
