The Aberdeen Cougars earned more shots, but the Mitchell Marlins scored more goals Saturday night at the Odde Ice Center.

Mitchell exploded for four goals in the middle period on the way to handing the Cougars their first setback in boys’ hockey action in a 7-3 victory.

The game was tied 1-1 before the Marlins took control with four straight goals to start the second period. Mick Dailey accounted for three of them.

“The difference was the second period,” said Cougars coach Jeremey Backous. “We just got outworked in our zone. They have a couple of skilled kids that can shoot the puck, and they didn’t miss many.”

Aberdeen ended up outshooting the Marlins by a healthy 39-23 margin, but Mitchell goalie Ian Vaughan was up to the task with 36 saves.

Lance Siefken had two of Aberdeen’s three goals in the contest. Drake Witte accounted for the other goal.

The Cougars are now 3-1 on the season. Backous knew what his team was facing against the Marlins.

“We knew Mitchell was going to be a good test, and they were,” Backous said. “I like that we didn’t quit and battled to the end.”

Aberdeen heads to Pierre to face Oahe today.

Mitchell Marlins 1 4 2 – 7

Aberdeen Cougars 1 1 1 – 3

First Period: 1, MM, Tyson Sabers (Mick Dailey), 8:01; 2, AC, Drake Witte (Jack Podoll), 6:43.

Second Period: 3, MM, Brody Huls (Sabers), 14:26; 4, MM, Dailey (Connor Degen), 10:43; 5, MM, Dailey (unassisted), 8:31; 6, MM, Dailey (Sabers), 2:38; 7, AC, Lance Siefken (Quincy Madsen), :06.

Third Period: 8, MM, Nate McCormick (Levi Loken), :15.24; 9, MM, Loken (unassisted), 11:56; 10, AC, Siefken (Jaxon Danielson), 7:49.

Shots on Goal: Mitchell Marlins 23; Aberdeen Cougars 39.

Goalies: Mitchell Marlins, Ian Vaughan (36 saves); Aberdeen Cougars, Colton Townsend (16 saves).