WINONA — Just when Rochester Mayo rallied and appeared destined to keep its season alive, Winona reversed the Spartans fortunes and ended their season.
Winona's Rachael Nelson scored with 4 minutes, 9 seconds to go in the third period to lift the Winhawks to a 5-4 victory against Mayo in a Section One, Class AA girls hockey tournament first-round game.
The No. 8-seeded Winhawks (10-13-0) advance to Wednesday's quarterfinal round. They'll play at No. 1 seed Lakeville North (17-6-2) at 7 p.m. No. 9-seeded Mayo's season comes to a close at 7-19-0.
Winona led 4-1 after two periods, but Mayo stormed back in the first seven minutes of the third period.
Ashley Weber recorded a hat trick in the first 6:41 of the third to tie the score. All of Weber's goals came in a span of 3:25, with single assists from Becca Schmitz, Sara Brakke and Taylor Kazeck.
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But just six minutes after Weber completed her hat trick, Rachael Nelson scored for the Winhawks to halt the Spartans' momentum and win the game.
Kali Aldrich scored in the first for a 1-0 Mayo lead after one, but Winona scored four times in the second to take control.
Winona 5, Mayo 4
Mayo#1#0#3#—#4
Winona#0#4#1#—#5
Rochester Mayo: Ashley Weber 3 goals; Kali Aldrich 1 goal; Steph Stettler 1 assist; Becca Schmitz 1 assist; Sara Brakke 1 assist; Taylor Kazeck 1 assist; Rachel Schmitz 12 saves (15 shots); Ella Solinger 2 saves (4 shots).
Winona: Carly Moran 3 goals; Rachel Nelson 2 goals; Molly Sanvik 2 assists; Michaela Beberg 1 assist; Anna Hussman 1 assist; Shelby Theis 1 assist; Jillian Hultgren 36 saves.
