Storm season ends in overtime

The Morris Benson Area girls' hockey team nearly pulled off an upset of the reigning state champion Cardinals in the Section 6A semifinals Tuesday in Alexandria, but the Storm's 12-game winning streak ended 49 seconds into overtime.

The Cardinals' Michelle Anez scored the game's first goal and she also notched its last for a 5-4 win over the Storm at the Runestone Community Center.

Alexandria improved to 12-14 overall and was set to play Fergus Falls Friday for the Section 6A championship. A win would give Alexandria its sixth straight section title.

The Storm had a 12-game winning streak snapped and finished 19-5.

Anez scored the game's first goal in the first period and the Cardinals led 1-0 after one period.

The Storm were literally that in the second period, getting three straight goals from Falk, Katia Vantries and an unassisted goal from Dani Staples that staked MBA to a 3-1 lead after two.

But the Cardinals returned the favor, scoring three straight goals in the third period. Alia Kopischke's goal at 11:47 of the third put Alexandria ahead 4-3.

But the Storm didn't cave. Working the puck in the Cardinals' end, the Storm's Sara Rajewsky drew a penalty for checking on Anez, and Falk capitalized just four seconds into the power play, beating Alex goalie Stephanie Drown to tie the game 4-4.

But Anez needed little time to score her 31st goal of the season and win the game. Teammate Allyson Nielson worked the boards behind the Storm net and tried to beat Storm goalie Brooke Falk on a wrap-around shot. Falk made the save but Anez poked the puck past her just 49 seconds into OT.