In their first-ever appearance at state, the Madison Metro Lynx also earned their first-ever win in a state finals event.
Addie Armstrong made 30 saves and Rachel Mirwald scored two goals to help lead the Metro Lynx past the Rock County Fury 5-2 in a state semifinal in girls hockey on Thursday in Madison.
Ava Jambor got the scoring going for the Lynx less than two minutes into the game, sneaking one past Fury netminder Olivia Cronin to give the Lynx the early lead.
Only a couple of minutes later, during four-on-four hockey, Grace Bonnell rung a shot from the center of the right circle off of both posts and in to make it 2-0 Lynx.
With 90 seconds to play in the first period, with the teams playing four-on-four yet again, it was Rachel Mirwald dropping a shot up and over Cronin to give the Lynx a big 3-0 lead heading into first intermission.
Rock County, peppering the goal with shots on net, finally broke through with 6:10 to play in the second period, as Alyssa Knauf scored unassisted to make it 3-1 Lynx. However, with just 24 seconds remaining in the period, the Lynx would answer back with Hannah Kolpien sending a puck towards net while sprawling to the ice, which somehow found its way into the back of the goal. After two, it was 4-1 Lynx.
The Fury weren't done yet, working in the third period to get one back in the game with an Anika Einbeck goal walked in from the blue line to make it 4-2. The Lynx fought off two big penalties in the third, and then got the dagger with 86 seconds to play, as Rachel Mirwald tallied her second goal of the night to give the Lynx the 5-2 lead.
Coach Mike McKersie credited the play of some of the lesser-heralded team members who got their chance to shine on the big stage in Madison. McKersie spoke with 1070 The Game following the contest (listen below).
You can see the full box score here.
The Lynx play the Fox Cities Stars on Saturday at noon for the state championship. It will be streamed by WKOW in Madison.