The Minnesota Army National Guard selects our Two Stars of the Game:
Sami Reber
Edina
2 goals, 1 assist
Sadie Lundquist
Cloquet/Esko/Carlton
2 assists
Game Recap
Final
The Lumberjacks scored the first goal but third-seeded Edina got the next four, including two by Ellie Sitek, and advanced to the semifinals. Sami Reber also scored twice for Edina (18-6-5).
Ninth-grader Dalyce Gustafson put Cloquet-Esko-Carlton (18-10-1) ahead 1-0 less than two minutes in, but the lead lasted little more than two minutes before Reber tied the score. Natalie Swiler and Sitek also scored in the first period, putting the Hornets in front 3-1.
"You always want to get the first goal because it tends to relax everybody," Lumberjacks coach Richard Bartholdi said. "But it didn't last all that long. I think some of our kids were really tight and nervous. I have to come up with some better jokes or something.
"We like to be a puck-possession team, but we just threw it away."
Cloquet-Esko-Carlton (18-10-1) lost to Edina 4-2 on Jan. 6. In the rematch, Edina outshot the Lumberjacks 30-21. Hornets goalie Cara Gulbronson stopped 18 shots.
JOHN MILLEA, Star Tribune