The Aberdeen Cougars weren’t as sharp as they wanted to be Saturday, but still skated their way to a pair of girls’ hockey victories over the Rushmore Thunder at the Odde Ice Center.

The Cougars won the first game 2-1 in the morning and then took the afternoon contest 4-1.

“The first game we played hurried for too much of the game and didn’t look like us,” said Cougars coach David Sandvig. “Once we settled in and had better control, we were shooting off target.”

Aberdeen had 30 shots on goal in that victory. Olivia Sandvig and Kaylee Dixon each found the back of the net in the opening period, but the Cougars were held scoreless the rest of the way.

In the second game, Aberdeen trailed 1-0 before scoring four unanswered goals.

Madeline Sandvig, Addyson Keller and Alyssa Roehrich each scored in the second period, Roehrich’s goal with just 10 seconds remaining. Rachel Siefken provided the final goal in the third period. Sandvig finished the game with a goal and two assists.

The Cougars had 44 shots in that contest.

“The second game we had control for the most part. We just overthought our shots early and started firing more in the second and third,” Coach Sandvig said. “We hope to improve on execution and outcome for Sunday’s game.”

The same two teams are back at it at noon today at the Odde Ice Center.

It’s unusual to play the same team three times within a 36-hour window.

“There are certain emotions between players that can uniquely build over a tight series,” Coach Sandvig said, “but it’s a good workout for the players.”

Rushmore Thunder 0 1 0 – 1

Aberdeen Cougars 2 0 0 – 2

First Period: 1, AC, Olivia Sandvig (Alyssa Roehrich), 16:07; 2, AC, Kaylee Dixon (Allison Woehl), 1:48.

Second Period: No scoring.

Third Period: 3, RT, Avery Eggers (unassisted), 7:16.

Shots on Goal: Rushmore Thunder 13; Aberdeen Cougars 30

Goalies: Rushmore Thunder, Bristol Simmons (28 saves); Aberdeen Cougars, Chloe Vikander (12 saves).

Rushmore Thunder 0 1 0 – 1

Aberdeen Cougars 0 3 1 – 4

First Period: No scoring.

Second Period: 1, RT, Mallory Chisholm (unassisted), 15:04; 2, AC, Madeline Sanvig (Alyssa Roehrich), 6:26; 3 AC, Addyson Keller (M. Sandvig), 5:41; 4, AC, Roehrich (M. Sandvig), :10.

Third Period: 5, AC, Rachel Siefken (Keller), 2:26.

Shots on Goal: Rushmore Thunder 14; Aberdeen Cougars 44.

Goalies: Rushmore Thunder, Bristol Simmons (40 saves); Aberdeen Cougars, Chloe Vikander (13 saves).