Quarterfinal Two: Alexandria (14-4-2) vs. (3) Minnetonka (15-3-3)

Alexandria upended Section 8-2A’s top seed and defending section champion Roseau to advance to St. Paul, scoring twice in the second period and holding on for dear life in the 2-1 win over the Rams. The Cardinals are 11-0-1 in their last 12 games, including winning six games decided by two goals or less.

Eight players have recorded 10 or more points this season for the Cardinals, who are led by senior forward Anna Doherty (9-14-23), junior forward Hanley Block (9-13-22), and sophomore forward Ella Westlund (9-11-20).

Junior goaltender Jordan O’Kane won three consecutive one-goal games during the Section playoffs, stopping 90 of 93 shots in the process. 

Minnetonka picked up a 5-2 win in the first meeting between the teams on Jan. 16, and the Skippers are riding a hot streak of their own, winning their last five contests. Sophomore forward Grace Sadura (20-17-37) has assumed the role of scoring leader after the Skippers graduated 10 seniors and the most goals of any team in the state.

Helping alleviate the loss of last year’s high-scoring senior class are freshmen forwards Kendra Distad (11-13-24) and Lindzi Avar (7-11-18), along with senior defender, Cornell commit, and Ms. Hockey finalist Rory Guilday (8-11-19). In goal, senior and Cornell commit Brynn Dulac has receded a 1.17 GAA, a .946 save percentage, and five shutouts.