Class AA Girls Hockey State Semifinal: Minnetonka 2, Edina 1

The Minnetonka Skippers (23-6-0) defeated the Edina Hornets (26-2-0) 2-1 in the first Class AA semifinal, Friday evening at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. 

The first goal of the game was scored by sophomore Lindzi Avar, assisted by freshman Lauren Mack at 11:04 in the first period. 

At 13:16 in the second period, Minnetonka’s freshman Senja Leeper scored in a wrap-around the goal that was put under official review. Leeper was assisted by freshmen Ruby Raul and junior Josie Hemp.  Minnetonka ended the period with ten shots on goal to Edina’s 4.  

Edina scored their first goal at 8:26 when freshman Tori Anderson hit it in from the left side, assisted by senior Jane Kuehl and sophomore Hannah Halverson. 

A tripping penalty by Hornet’s Anderson at 9:01 resulted in a penalty shot by Skippers junior Grace Sandra. Junior Uma Corniea had the save in the goal for Edina to maintain the one-point difference.  

Minnetonka ended the game with eleven blocked shots to Edina’s 6. The teams were evenly matched on face-offs with Minnetonka winning 29 and Edina winning 30. They were also evenly matched on power-play shots with the Skippers having 5 and the Hornets 6.  

Minnetonka will take on the winner of the Gentry Academy vs Andover game in the championship on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. at Xcel Energy Center. Edina will take on the losing team in the 3rd place game at 11 a.m. on Friday at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.