Alexandria's Kristin Trosvig (15) skated back to the bench to celebrate her second period goal that gave the Cardinals a 2-1 lead over St. Paul United. Photo: JEFF WHEELER • jeff.wheeler@startribune.com
Alexandria senior Kristin Trosvig had been to the state tournament four times before this year but had never made the state semifinals.
That changed Wednesday, as fourth-seeded Alexandria rallied from a 1-0 deficit to defeat fifth-seeded St. Paul United 3-2 in the Class 1A quarterfinals at Xcel Energy Center.
Trosvig scored twice in the second period for the Cardinals (21-7), who reached the state tournament in 13 of the past 15 years but hadn't reached the semifinals since 2010. Junior McKenna Ellingson added a goal on a breakaway with 7:01 remaining, and eighth-grade goalie Hailey Bailey saved 33 shots.
"It's crazy," Trosvig said of the victory. "I just burst into tears when the buzzer sounded. It's such an incredible moment."
Photo gallery: Alexandria vs. St. Paul United, Warroad vs, New Ulm
Alexandria took a 3-1 lead on Ellingson's goal, but St. Paul United (19-10) cut the lead to one on a Catherine Kerin goal with 56.7 seconds left.
St. Paul United pulled its goalie for an extra skater for the final minutes, and had a six-on-four advantage for the final 20 seconds, but did not score.
"It was nerve-wracking, but I knew my team was there for me," Bailey said.
St. Paul United (19-10) reached its third consecutive state tournament appearance and fourth in five years. Samantha Burke scored United's first goal, assisted by Olivia Williams Ridge.
The Cardinals had a 35-18 advantage in shots on goal.
"The pressure was there, and it kind of seemed like our team got tired after the first seven, eight minutes," United coach Nate Mauer said.
First report
Fourth-seeded Alexandria rallied from a 1-0 second-period deficit to defeat fifth-seeded St. Paul United 3-2 Wednesday in the Class 1A quarterfinals at Xcel Energy Center.
Senior Kristin Trosvig scored twice in the second period for the Cardinals (21-7), who have reached the state tournament in 13 of the past 15 years but had not reached the semifinals since 2010. Junior McKenna Ellingson added a goal on a breakaway with 7:01 to go, and eighth-grade goalie Hailey Bailey saved 33 shots.
Senior defenseman Calley Richardson had three assists, and Trosvig added another.
Alexandria entered the game having played a schedule of top Class 1A and 2A opponents, including East Grand Forks, Maple Grove and Breck. The team won 10 consecutive games late in the season before losing its final regular-season game to Breck, seeded second in the state tournament.
The Cardinals have eight players who have at least 10 combined goals and assists, led by Trosvig, who has 16 goals.
Bailey had played 10 games entering the quarterfinal matchup, compiling a 703 record and .941 save percentage.
St. Paul United (19-10) was making its third consecutive state tournament appearance and fourth in five years. United made the past two championship games, losing to Blake each year.
Samantha Burke scored United only goal, assisted by Olivia Williams Ridge. Catherine Burke scored for United with 56.7 seconds left in the third period. United drew a power play with 20 seconds left but was unable to score.
Check back later for more on the game.
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