SIOUX FALLS – Earlier this season the Aberdeen Cougars won a tight girls’ hockey contest against Sioux Falls, and on Saturday afternoon the Flyers returned the favor.

Sioux Falls scored once in each period on the way to a 3-1 victory to avenge a previous 5-4 setback in Aberdeen.

The rematch was closer than the final score indicates.

“We gave up a goal on a long shot from top of the circle on a rush that we didn’t challenge in the first period that gave them some momentum,” said Cougars coach Rob Weinmeister.

Aberdeen leveled the score on a goal by Kailyn Poppen on an assist from Morgan Jones later in the opening period.

“We did answer back, but I also thought they really took away the slot area where we usually get some good looks,” Weinmeister said. “They took that momentum into the second and really dictated play. Their second (goal) was on a power play.”

Like they did in the previous encounter, Sioux Falls took advantage of an Aberdeen penalty.

“Their second (goal) was on a power play,” Weinmeister said. “They have a very good power play and they capitalized again.”

Still, the Cougars remained within striking distance and trailed by just one in the closing minutes. However, Aberdeen could not find the equalizer before the Flyers added an insurance goal for the final margin of difference.

“We had an opportunity to tie on a face off in their zone with a few minutes left,” Weinmeister said. “We got a good shot, just missed, and they came down and got a carom off a skate on a centering pass that went in.”

The Cougars ended up with three more shots on goal in the contest, but this time the Flyers prevailed.

“Again, Sioux Falls is a good team and we probably didn’t pressure them like we did last time to create opportunities,” Weinmeister said. “And they played with confidence and momentum today.”

The Cougars will compete in a three-day tournament in Watford City, N.D. Friday through Sunday.

Aberdeen Cougars 1 0 0 – 1

Sioux Falls Flyers 1 1 1 -3

First Period: 1, SF, Rylan Peska, 8:42; 2, AC, Kailyn Poppen (Morgan Jones), 6:15.

Second Period: 3, SF, Rylan Peska (Alyssa Lingen), 12:42.

Third Period: 4, SF, Ragyn Peska (Madeline Abbott), 2:01.

Shots on Goal: Aberdeen Cougars 23; Sioux Falls Flyers 20.

Goalies: Aberdeen Cougars, Chloe Vikander (17 saves); Sioux Falls Flyers, Sydney Fornwald (12 saves), Eva Ramm (10 saves).