Class A Girls Hockey State Consolation Semfinal: Mankato East 3, Albert Lea 1

After 34 minutes of scoreless play, Mankato East and Albert Lea erupted for four goals in an eight-minute during the Class A consolation semifinal on Thursday, Feb. 24 at TRIA Rink at Treasure Island Center in downtown St. Paul.

During the spree, Mankato East notched three of them enroute to a 3-1 victory. Freshman forward Ashley Fischer scored two goals, including the winner with 7 minutes, 30 seconds remaining, and another on an empty-netter while being pulled down to send the Cougars (22-6-0) into the consolation final on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. Mankato East will face the winner of the second consolation semifinal between River Lakes and Luverne.

Mankato East controlled play during the first two periods, outshooting the Tigers (14-12-1) by a margin of 27-9, yet couldn’t get the best of Albert Lea sophomore Rachel Doppelhammer.

Midway through the third period, sophomore Jessica Eykyn opened the scoring for Mankato East on an even-strength goal. But just as the cheering for that goal settled, Albert Lea got the equalizer 26 seconds later on a goal from senior forward Esther Yoon. That set the stage for two more minutes of each time looking for yet another tie-breaking goal.

It was Mankato East’s second victory over the Tigers this season. On Dec. 2, the Cougars defeated Albert Lea 4-1 during the Big Nine Conference schedule.