By Tom Mix
NDHSAA Media Specialist
FARGO – The Fargo North/South Spruins girls hockey co-op skated to the program’s third consecutive NDHSAA girls hockey state championship on Saturday, February 24.
The Spruins defeated Bismarck Century 5-1 at Scheels Arena in Fargo.
Sophomore defensemen Leah Hoffman got North/South on the scoreboard early, scoring at the 3:31 mark of the first period.
Junior forward Ainsley Ness added a goal at the 1:08 mark of the second period to give the Spruins a 2-0 advantage.
Four minutes later, Bismarck Century would score when junior forward Brenna Curl found sophomore linemate Avery Matt for a score.
Unfortunately for the Patriots that was the only opportunity given up by North/South eighth grade goalie Alyssa Jacobsen. Jacobsen finished the game with 12 saves and was named to the All-Tournament Team following the championship after scoring two wins in net for the Spruins during the state tournament amassing 34 total saves and one shutout.
Junior forward Olivia Kalbus restored the Spruins’ two-goal lead, scoring at the 9:28 mark of the second period.
Senior forward Emma Burris and Junior forward Kate McComb each scored goals for North/South in the third period.
North/South outshot the Patriots 30-13 in the game.
McComb finished the tournament with three goals and four assists (seven points) to earn Tournament MVP honors.
North/South finished the season 22-3-0. Bismarck Century, the No. 8 seed in the tournament, finished the season 11-14-0.
All Tournament Team
Forward: Ashlyn Abrahamson, Devils Lake
Forward: Brenna Curl, Bismarck Century
Forward: Avery Matt, Bismarck Century
Forward: Kate McComb, Fargo North/South
Defense: Kenleigh Fischer, Fargo North/South
Goalie: Alyssa Jacobsen, Fargo North/South
Tournament MVP
Kate McComb, Fargo North/South
RINK WRITER GAME SHEET: FARGO NORTH/SOUTH 5, BISMARCK CENTURY 1
RINK WRITER GAME SHEETS: 2024 NDHSAA GIRLS HOCKEY STATE TOURNAMENT
2024 NDHSAA GIRLS HOCKEY STATE TOURNAMENT BRACKET
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