BROOKINGS – The Aberdeen Cougars stayed in the hunt for a state league championship by claiming a 5-3 road victory over the Brookings Rangers in girls’ hockey action Saturday afternoon.

The Cougars are currently tied for first in the league standings with Sioux Falls with one game remaining for each.

Aberdeen received goals from five different players in the victory.

“That’s important for us to get contributions from all over,” said Cougars coach Rob Weinmeister.

Morgan Jones started the scoring on an unassisted goal less than two minutes into the contest. After the Rangers tied the score, Rachel Siefken put the Cougars back in front about a minute later.

Aberdeen then outscored Brookings 3-1 in the second period to take control. Rylee Hepper found the back of the net just 19 seconds into the period. After the Rangers closed the deficit to 3-2, Alli Stoltenburg put the Cougars back in front by two and then Kailyn Poppen scored with 27 seconds left for a three-goal lead. Siefken assisted on both of those goals.

Chloe Vikander stopped 20 shots in goal for the Cougars.

“We put forth a good effort against one of the top teams in the state,” Weinmeister said. “I think we really picked each other up when we made a mistake and Chloe played a very good game in net.”

The victory improved Aberdeen’s record in league play to 14-1, the same as Sioux Falls. The Cougars play at Oahe today while Sioux Falls takes on Brookings.

Aberdeen Cougars 2 3 0 – 5

Brookings Rangers 1 1 1 – 3

First Period: 1, AC, Morgan Jones, 15:21; 2 BR, Taylor Hokenson (Taryn Richter, Ava Kahle), 10:40; 3, AC, Rachel Siefken, 9:36.

Second Period: 4, AC, Rylee Hepper (Aiden Raap, Reece Ermer), 16:41; 5, BR, Anna Rasmussen (Kinzey Grendler), 16:13; 6, AC, Alli Stoltenburg (Siefken), 8:27; 7, AC, Kailyn Poppen (Siefken), :27.

Third Period: 8, BR, Grendler (Julissa Peterson), 14:54.

Shots on Goal: Aberdeen Cougars 31; Brookings Rangers 23.

Goalies: Aberdeen Cougars, Chloe Vikander (20 saves); Brookings Rangers, Rorii Quam (26 saves).