(photo by Jim Lindquist)
Senior goaltender Jessica Erchul came up with a bushel basketful of big saves and the offense did just enough to get the job done in a season-opening 2-1 win over Rochester John Marshall Thursday night at Schmitz-Maki Arena.
"If I had one word to describe our play tonight it would be 'jittery'," coach Jon Holmes said. "John Marshall is a much-improved team since we played them two years ago but we were very nervous.
"The girls were saying that it's a different atmosphere knowing that they have to do so much themselves now after relying on Krystal (Baumann) and Hannah (Alexander) for so long."
Baumann, now a starter for the University of Vermont, and Alexander combined for 71 goals and 110 points last season.
All of the scoring took place in the opening period with the Rockets drawing first blood on a 5-on-3 power play just 4:31 into the contest.
Haley Doll celebrates 1st goal of the season
(photo by Jim Lindquist)
The Tigers notched their first goal of the season three minutes later when Haley Doll cruised the end line and scored on a wrap-around on the left side.
Chloe Batta provided the game-winner on an assist from Grace Gavin with just 53 seconds left in the period.
Jessica Erchul makes one of her 26 saves
(photo by Jim Lindquist)
The final two periods produced no scoring thanks in large point to the play of Erchul who finished the night with 26 saves. Farmington missed a golden opportunity for a third goal late in the second period when Betsy Anderson's rocket from just inside the right circle clanged off the crossbar
"We know Erch and the defense have to play well for us to be successful, especially early in the season," Holmes said. "We got what we needed from her but we still have some things to work out defensively."
The Tiger coach said he feels his team has the ability to play much better hockey as witnessed by a strong effort in an early week scrimmage against a quality Burnsville squad.
"Right now we need to get back on the ice and get more playing time together," Holmes said. "We have a lot of new combinations out there."
The Tigers will get plenty of that over the next two days when they hop on a bus and head to Hibbing for a six-team jamboree on the Iron Range.
