SIOUX FALLS – The Aberdeen Cougars had the numbers in their advantage Friday night, except the one that mattered most.

The Cougars fell 1-0 to the Sioux Falls Flyers in the semifinals of the Girls’ State Hockey Tournament.

Aberdeen had 10 more shots than the Flyers, but was unable to find the back of the net for the second time this season against the top-seeded squad.

“I am more than proud of our girls tonight. They outplayed an unbeaten Sioux Falls team,” said Cougars coach David Sandvig. “I don’t think anyone watching that game would say our girls didn’t have an outstanding game.”

Sandvig said the two powerhouse teams, who faced each other in the championship game last season with the Cougars winning 1-0, bring out the best in each other.

“Sioux Falls is fun to play,” Sandvig said. “They just come to play good, hard hockey. I think both teams really respect each other’s attitude and effort.”

The coach said the Cougars were aggressive and had chances, but were unable to get one past the Flyers goalie.

“Our breakouts were great, our neutral zone was efficient, our O zone created a bunch of opportunities,” Sandvig said. “We just didn’t get any pucks across the net. No one likes to work hard for no pay. The girls can hold their heads high after that game. On to the next one.”

That next one is today against Oahe for third place in the tourney. Puck drop is set for 4 p.m.

Sioux Falls will face Brookings in the championship at 7 tonight.

Aberdeen Cougars 0 0 0 – 0

Sioux Falls Flyers 0 1 0 – 1

First Period: no scoring.

Second Period: 1, SF, Emma Honner (Anniston Murray), 13:43.

Third Period: no scoring.

Shots on Goal: Aberdeen Cougars 26; Sioux Falls Flyers 16.

Goalies: Aberdeen Cougars, Chloe Vikander (15 saves); Sioux Falls Flyers, Moriah Lincoln (26 saves).