PIERRE – The Aberdeen Cougars scored early and often on the way to a 7-1 girls’ hockey win over the Oahe Capitals on Saturday evening.

The Cougars scored three times in both of the first two periods to take control.

“The girls put a great game together today. We worked as a team in all aspects of the game, both offensively and defensively,” said Cougars coach Rob Weinmeister. “Our forecheck today was the difference as it was relentless which created a lot of opportunities we were able to capitalize on.”

Aberdeen received goals from Olivia Sandvig, Alyssa Roehrich and Aiden Raap in the opening period.

Addyson Keller produced the first goal in the second period and then Rachel Siefken turned in a hat trick the rest of the way with all three of her goals assisted by Morgan Jones.

“Rachel played well and the whole line just worked so hard to create opportunities, and she was able to capitalize on a couple of those,” Weinmeister said.

The Cougars, 5-2 on the season, continue their busy weekend with their third game in three days today when they host Sioux Falls at noon at the Odde Ice Center.

“Quick turnaround, big game (Sunday),” Weinmeister said. “We just got to keep playing like we played and bring that same level of intensity.”

It will be a special day at the local rink. The Cougars boys will play Huron at 4 p.m. on a day that will honor the late Greg Swanson.

“It’s a blackout game (Sunday) and it’s also Greg Swanson Memorial Day,” Weinmeister said, “so I think that’ll give the girls extra incentive to play well.”

Aberdeen Cougars 3 3 1 – 7

Oahe Capitals 0 1 0 – 1

First Period: 1, AC, Olivia Sandvig (Kailyn Poppen), 13:50; 2, AC, Alyssa Roehrich (Poppen, Sandvig), 13:33; 3, AC, Aiden Raap (Rachel Siefken), 11:28.

Second Period: 4, AC, Addyson Keller (Kaylee Dixon), 13:50; 5, AC, Siefken (Allison Woehl, Morgan Jones), 12:34; 6, AC, Siefken (Jones), 4:36.

Third Period: 7, AC, Siefken (Jones), 5:53; 8, OC, Katherine Reiss (Brylee Kafka), :39.

Shots on Goal: Aberdeen Cougars 30; Oahe Capitals 8.

Goalies: Aberdeen Cougars, Chloe Vikander (7 saves); Oahe Capitals, Sophia Peschong (23 saves).