SIOUX FALLS – The Aberdeen Cougars scored three unanswered goal to erase an early deficit and claim 3-2 win over the Mitchell Marlins in the first round of the Girls’ State Hockey Tournament on Thursday night.

After Mitchell had taken a one-goal lead, the Cougars responded with three straight goals, two in the final period on the way to the victory.

Aberdeen received goals from Allison Woehl, Rachel Siefken, and Kaylee Dixon.

“We did a good job controlling the pace and puck,” said Aberdeen coach David Sandvig.

Makenna Tronnes had both of Mitchell’s goals, the last one coming right before the final minute of play.

The Cougars outshot the Marlins by a 36-13 margin.

“We almost held them to under 10 shots on the game,” Sandvig said. “The girls played with some fire and desire to get into that winner’s bracket and that is what they earned with this one. We will need to keep building on that every game this weekend as the competition and stakes are going up each day.”

Next up for the Cougars is a matchup against the unbeaten Sioux Falls Flyers in the semifinals tonight.

Siefken was named the Player of the Game.