Girls hockey : Slow starts cost Tigers

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Farmington couldn’t recover from slow starts in a pair of non-conference losses last week.

The Tigers allowed three first-period goals to Hastings standout Danielle Duffy in an eventual 3-2 loss last Tuesday night at Hastings Civic Arena, then gave up two first-period goals in a 3-1 setback to Rochester Mayo Thursday night at Schmitz-Maki Arena.

Freshman forward Michaela Tonsager provided the lone goal 2:25 into the first period, putting away a rebound after a shot by Haley Doll. The Tigers came up empty on their other 23 shots.

The Spartans, meanwhile, sent 36 shots toward Farmington goaltender Jessica Erchul. The senior stopped 33, giving her 84 saves in three games.

Steph Stettler scored a pair of power-play goals for the visiting Spartans.

The Tigers got on the board against Hastings thanks to an unassisted first-period goal by freshman Chloe Batta.

Senior Katie Burgess scored a shorthanded goal on a pass from Haley Doll to make it a one-goal game with 10 minutes left in the third, but the Tigers couldn’t get the equalizer.

Erchul finished with 25 saves as Hastings posted a 28-17 advantage in shots on goal.

The Tigers (1-2) open Missota Conference play Tuesday when they host Chaska/Chanhassen. Opening face-off is set for 7:15 at Schmitz-Maki Arena.

Tags: girls hockey, sports, farmington, tigers, prep