SIOUX FALLS – The Aberdeen Cougars overcame a two-goal deficit and finished off their season with a 4-3 win over the Oahe Capitals in the third place game during the Girls’ State Hockey Tournament on Saturday afternoon.

Allison Woehl produced the game-winning goal with just over five minutes remaining.

“The girls played a great last game,” said Aberdeen coach David Sandvig. “I think we played better collectively against Sioux Falls (in a loss Friday), but we grinded out what we needed to win.”

The Capitals jumped in front with the first two goals to start the contest, before the Cougars got their offense going.

Addyson Keller and Aiden Raap scored back-to-back goals to close out the second period and send the game to the third period knotted at 2-2.

Keller added another goal midway through the final period to put Aberdeen on top, but Oahe answered setting the stage for the game-winner by Woehl on an assist from Keller.

“Allie got Player of the Game for her game-winner,” Sandvig said. “Chloe (Vikander) made some great saves.”

As a result, the Cougars finished with third place after coming into the tourney as the fourth seed.

“It’s always nice to go out higher than your rank from state,” Sandvig said. “It was a year with some adversity, but the girls finished strong.”

The Cougars will lose six key seniors to graduation: Woehl, Raap, Alyssa Roehrich, Maddie Sandvig, Rani Mattke, and Kalin Hepper.

Coach Sandvig talked about each of those seniors.

“Allie was a rocket on her skates with a rocket shot. Aiden was a hard worker that scored creative goals. Alyssa was a powerful playmaker with a powerful smile,” he said. “Maddie was a smart and physical utility player always playing the angles. Rani was a very reliable defensive firewall that could also find offensive opportunities. Kalin distributed pucks well from the top of our zone to help set up plays.”

It’s safe to say the six definitely left their mark on the Cougars’ program during their time with the program.

“It was a pleasure to work with them,” Coach Sandvig said, “and they’ll be missed.”

Aberdeen Cougars 0 2 2 – 4

Oahe Capitals 1 1 1 – 3

First Period: 1, OC, Katherine Reiss (Mallory Lehrkamp), 7:09.

Second Period: 2, OC, Elliot Bertsch (unassisted), 7:37; 3, AC, Addyson Keller (Rachel Siefken, Kayee Dixon), 6:34; 4, AC, Aiden Raap (unassisted), 3:04.

Third Period: 5, AC, Keller (Dixon), 8:57; 6, OC, Dakota McEntaffer (unassisted), 6:37; 7, AC, Allison Woehl (Keller), 5:04.

Shots on Goal: Aberdeen Cougars 21; Oahe Capitals 19.

Goalies: Aberdeen Cougars, Chloe Vikander (16 saves); Oahe Capitals, Kylee Fromm (17 saves).