The Aberdeen Cougars pulled away from a one-goal lead to secure a 5-2 girls’ hockey victory over the Brookings Rangers at the Odde Ice Central on Saturday afternoon.

The Cougars, who opened a 3-0 advantage, watched Brookings claw back into the contest with a pair of goals later in the second period. However, Aberdeen regained control with two goals in the first five minutes of the final period.

“I thought we skated decent,” said Cougars coach Rob Weinmeister. “We put good pressure on them which created a lot of opportunities. We had some good looks right in front of the net that we didn’t capitalize on, but those looks were created by the pressure we put on them in our offensive zone. It was a good team win today. Everyone contributed with their roles.”

Aiden Raap had a pair of goals for the Cougars. Lauren Scheel, Alyssa Roehrich and Ema Rehder each found the back of the net once as Aberdeen outshot the Rangers 40-18.

Once again, the Cougars continued to use their depth with three strong lines to wear down an opponent.

“I think getting a goal early in the third and continuing to put pressure on as we rotate through all three lines helped us limit their opportunities,” Weinmeister said. “And once again, we got goals from all three lines, so there isn’t a letdown from one line to another which I believe does wear the other team down.”

The Cougars are back in action Friday when they host Oahe at the Odde Ice Center.

Brookings Rangers 0 2 0 – 2

Aberdeen Cougars 2 1 2 – 5

First Period: 1, AC, Lauren Scheel (Rylie Hepper), 11:13; 2, AC, Aiden Raap (Rachel Siekfen), 2:05.

Second Period: 3, AC, Alyssa Roehrich (Kailyn Poppen, Morgan Jones), 13:42; 4, BR, Briella Van Dusseldorp, 10:28; 5, BR, Anna Rasmussen, 7:49.

Third Period: 6, AC, Ema Rehder (Madalynn Witte), 15:19; 7, AC, Raap (Poppen, Scheel), 12:35.

Shots on Goal: Brookings Rangers 18; Aberdeen Cougars 40.

Goalies: Brookings Rangers, Rorii Quam (35 saves); Aberdeen Cougars, Chloe Vikander (16 saves).