Two periods into the Class A State Quarterfinal game between the Proctor/Hermantown Mirage and the Academy of Holy Angels, both teams were knotted up at 0-0 thanks to some phenomenal goaltending.

However, fast forward 17 minutes and the Mirage were on the end of another heartbreaker, falling 2-0.

The Mirage came into the state tournament with a six game unbeaten streak, and immediately had the fire in them to avenge last years loss. However, despite a ferocious attempt at cracking Holy Angels’ goaltender Zoe Rimstad, the Mirage nor the Stars could break through in either the first or second period.

“I think we definitely created a lot of chances and then weren’t able to get them across that goal line,” said Mirage Head Coach, Emma Stauber. “Specifically in the third period right away in that first minute, we were able to get a flurry down there in their end. I think we got a little bit overextended, that’s why they were able to easily break out on us and get it back down into our zone.”

For as good as Rimstad was for Holy Angels, Neelah McLeod had herself a night as well, tallying 22 saves. In the third period though, the puck found the back of the net for the first time, as Marci Jung scored just 47 seconds into the third period.

Midway through the third period, Jung added a second goal, this time on a breakaway.

“I knew there was a girl in the middle,” said McLeod. “I split over, I kind of got back up, I thought she was gonna shoot maybe high, cuz that’s kind of what they’ve been doing all game. She just kind of shot it in low right through five hole. I don’t know, I was just trying to read it, didn’t read it right.”

Despite a 6-on-5 attempt to end the game, the Mirage were shut out for just the fourth time all season, ending their championship hopes.

“This stings for sure,” said McLeod. “I think just getting down here is such an accomplishment in itself.”

“We just have to reset,” said Stauber. “Take it in tonight. Tomorrow’s a new day. Sun will come up. When these moments happen, you got to turn around and do the best you can.”