Hannah Alexander (No. 15) scored the game-winner in the third period
(photos by Jim Lundquist)
Hannah Alexander liked the spotlight so well she stepped back into it again to provide the winning goal in Farmington's 2-1 win over Apple Valley Tuesday, Dec. 28, in the opening round of the Louie Schmitz Holiday Classic at Schmitz-Maki Arena.
The game-winner was the second in four games for Alexander whose overtime goal gave her team a a 3-2 win over section rival Owatonna on Dec. 10.
"Hannah has been an outright rock star when it comes to consistency," coach Jon Holmes said. "She comes everyday ready to work hard in the corners, crash the net, and be a leader. She is a very instinctive player and does a fantastic job exploiting an opposing team's defense when they double team or pay all their attention to Krystal (Baumann)."
In what has become a trend, the Tigers dominated play but had trouble putting the puck away. Farmington outshot the Eagles 38-20 in the contest but couldn't forge its first lead until Alexander's score 32 seconds into the final period.
Valley led 1-0 after one period with the Tigers pulling even midway through the second period on Chloe Batta's (from Alexander) fifth goal of the season.
Alexander notched the game-winner from the slot on a nifty 180 degree turn after winning a scrum in front of the Valley goal. Baumann earned an assist on the goal.
"It (the winning goal) was a product of good old fashioned hard work," coach Jon Holmes said. "Hannah's line was cycling and moving the puck well the entire night. She spun to her forehand and got her head up to catch a look at the open twine on the short side."
Lost in Alexander's heroics was another solid outing by goaltender Jessica Erchul who came up with 19 saves in posting her seventh win of the season. The Tiger junior has allowed just seven goals in her last four starts.
With the win the Tigers (7-5) advance to Wednesday's championship semifinals against Park of Cottage Grove, a 5-1 winner of Eastview in the opening round. Apple Valley moves to the consolation bracket and a match-up with crosstown rival Eastview.
