by Nate Rowan
The 2012 senior class (top to bottom):
Molly, Friedlund, Jessica Erchul,
Betsy Anderson and Katie Burgess
(photos by Jim Lindquist)
Holy Angels won its first conference game of the season and defeated Farmington 2-0, Tuesday night in a Senior Night game at Schmitz-Maki Arena.
The Tigers (8-15-0, 4-7-0) outshot the Stars 43-19 but were unable to put any past Holy Angels goaltender Caroline Riester.
"I am disappointed," coach Jon Holmes said. "I'm not sure why we thought we could just show up and win but I am pretty sure that is what happened. Despite out shooting them profoundly we struggled to take care of the little things in our own defensive end."
The Stars used a three-minute span at the end of the first period and beginning of the second to net the only goals of the game. Amanda Navratil scored the game-winner at 15:29, unassisted, and Alyson Niesen recorded the second Stars goal at 1:15 of the second.
Farmington finished 0-for-2 on the power play while Holy Angels were held scoreless in three chances. All three Tiger penalties came in the final period.
Jessica Erchul made 17 saves for Farmington.
Depending on section seeding the contest could have been the final home-ice appearance for four Tiger seniors: Betsy Anderson, Katie Burgess, Jessica Erchul and Molly Friedlund.
"What a wonderful group of kids," Holmes said. "All of them have been with our team and myself for the past five years or more. I have watched them grow from middle schoolers to high school teenagers and now to young adults. They always have a smile on their face and would do anything for any of their teammates at the drop of a hat.
"I cannot say enough how much fun I have had coaching this group of kids this year. Some might look at our record and think it was a tough year to swallow, but this senior group has come positive, upbeat, and ready to learn each and every day."
The Tigers wrap up the regular season on Thursday at Northfield. Farmington will then await the section pairings before beginning the postseason.