SIOUX FALLS – The Brookings Rangers produced a championship defensive effort to capture the State Girls’ Hockey title Sunday afternoon.

The Rangers handed the Aberdeen Cougars their only shutout of the season in a 2-0 victory in the title contest.

“Give credit to Brookings,” said Cougars coach Rob Weinmeister. “They skated hard and fast, and disrupted a lot of what we were trying to do.”

Aberdeen outshot the Rangers 25-18, but was unable to find a way to get a puck past Brookings goalie Rorii Quam.

“I thought our girls played a good game,” Weinmeister said, “but ran into a goalie who was playing well.”

After a scoreless opening period, Brookings got on the board late in the second period on a power play goal from Briella Van Dusseldorp. The Rangers then made that goal stand up the rest of the way.

The Cougars had some chances, but were unable to connect before the Rangers added an insurance goal with one minute remaining. Savannah Barber scored on another power play for Brookings to ice the victory.

The win avenged a pair of regular-season losses to Aberdeen. Weinmeister said the Rangers were on and his squad was a touch off.

“I think they played a great game. I think we were a little off and maybe a little tight today,” Weinmeister said. “I think we were starting to control the second period until we took those penalties. They get the goal and are able to keep energy with that.”

The Cougars finished the season with a 31-5 overall record and a State League title to their credit.

“I’m proud of the girls,” Weinmeister said. “They had a great season and have nothing to hang their heads about.”

The contest marked the final game for six Aberdeen seniors: Reece Ermer, Sydney Hofer, Taylor Nash, Ema Rehder, Lauren Scheel and Madalynn Witte.

Weinmeister reflected on that group following the game.

“The seniors were a calming presence and their maturity that they brought to the team helped in so many ways,” Weinmeister said. “They were great role models for our younger girls.”

Brookings Rangers 0 1 1 – 2

Aberdeen Cougars 0 0 0 – 0

First Period: no scoring.

Second Period: 1, BR, Briella Van Dusseldorp (Savannah Barber), 2:44.

Third Period: 2, BR, Barber, 1:00.

Shots on Goal: Brookings Rangers 18; Aberdeen Cougars 25.

Goalies: Brookings Rangers, Rorii Quam (25 saves); Aberdeen Cougars, Chloe Vikander (16 saves).