The Richland junior gold girls began state tournament play with a Friday morning game against the Wahpeton Blades. The Rangers handily won their first game by an 8-3 margin. “We started a little slow in the first period, but as the girls settled down and worked out their state tournament jitters they were able to control the majority of the game,” Coach Sara Berndt said.

Wahpeton was the first to score eight minutes into the first period. Forward Brittany Johnson returned with an unassisted goal at the 12:32 mark to bring the first period score to a 1-1 tie.

The Rangers played a strong second period and were able to keep the Blades from scoring, while in turn putting in four goals. Scoring second period goals for the Rangers were defender Erin Harris on a top shelf, unassisted goal, Johnson on a give and go play down the ice on assists from Abby Balcer and Marisa Holst, Ashley Bjork on a pass from Johnson, and Marisa Holst on a pass from Johnson. The score stood at a 5-1 Ranger lead at the end of the second period. The Rangers were able to keep a lead on the Blades for the remainder of the game. Although the Blades were able to put two more past goalie Katlin McLaughlin during the period, the Rangers also added three more. Scoring in the third period were Balcer from Bjork, senior Laci Bowers on a coast to coast unassisted shot, and defender Bradi Sveet on a pass from Johnson. McLaughlin finished with eight saves.

“We had seven different scorers during this game. Our entire team contributed to our first win of the tournament, and that teamwork helped to set the tone for the weekend,” Berndt said.

The Rangers continued state tournament play with a Saturday semi-final match-up against the Fargo Lightning. The Rangers won the game by a 3-0 margin.

The game was scoreless through the first period. Scoring 4:15 into the second period was Maci Holst on a pass from Bjork. The game remained scoreless until Johnson received a pass from Alyssa Kessel and was able to put one past the goaltender. The score stood at a 2-0 Ranger lead at the end of the period.

“The girls really rained it on during the third period and didn’t even allow the Lightning to get a single shot,” Berndt said. Scoring the lone third period goal was Johnson on a pass from Bjork.

McLaughlin finished with 12 saves. Also playing for the Rangers was junior Taryn Sivertson.

“Taryn showed some real heart this weekend and had some nice defensive plays. Everyone on the team contributed to the Rangers’ success. But the arms of our team extend beyond the players and the coaches. Our families, fans and supporters are all important and necessary pieces of our bigger hockey family. I urge the community to come out and support girls hockey next weekend during the 12U Junior Bronze girls state tournament hosted here in Sidney.