Chloe Batta 2 power play goals in 3rd period
(photo by Jim Lindquist)
Farmington scored in each period and wrapped up the regular season with a win, 4-1, Thursday night in Northfield.
The Tigers (9-15-0, 5-7-0) used strong starts at the beginning of each period. All four goals were scored in the first 5:43 of their respective period.
“We played well last night,” head coach Jon Holmes said. “It was good to see us bounce back on the scoreboard.”
“We got better as each period went on with the hustle and the puck support, but we also know that we need to keep improving for next Wednesday and beyond.”
Alexis Smrekar opened the scoring at 1:17 of the first period with assists from Michaela Tonsager and Madeline Oines. The Raiders answered 33 seconds later and the score remained tied after one.
Haley Doll scored the game-winner at 5:43 of the second period. Bria Donnelly earned the lone assist on the only goal of the period.
The third period was all about Chloe Batta who netted two power play goals in the frame. Her first at 2:17 was assisted by Grace Vincent and Betsy Anderson. Her second at 4:28 was an unassisted tally.
Jessica Erchul was solid between the pipes, stopping 22 shots.
The win Thursday evening ends an up and down regular season for Farmington. The Tigers proved that they were able to hang in against some of the top teams in the state.
“We learned we are able to play with and beat the best,” Holmes said. “We also learned that we are capable of losing the opposite.”
“We need to show up every day. If we do our playoff run should be successful and we could surely play the spoiler and get ourselves in a position to get to a state tourney. If we do not we will struggle to get out of the first round.
Farmington will now await the section 1AA pairings which will be released this weekend. Holmes believes his team has a shot at hosting a first round matchup.
“My best guess is that we will be in the hunt at the seed meeting for a four or five seed in the section.” He said. “Of course four is a nice ticket since you get a home game, but regardless we will play the same team just either home or away.”
