Willmar girls hockey loses to New Prague

AUSTIN -- The Willmar girls tightened up the defense, but crucial mistakes proved fatal in a 3-2 loss to New Prague Wednesday at the Austin Holiday Classic.

Shannon Meyer scored her second goal of the game for New Prague (4-10-1) off a Willmar turnover at the blue line for a 3-2 Austin lead with 7:36 left in the third period. Meyer's goal eight seconds into the second period had tied the score 1-1.

A Chelsey Wierschem goal gave Willmar a 1-0 lead through one period. Ashley Hutton's powerplay goal at 8:08 of the second held up for a 2-1 Willmar lead through two.

Amanda Croonquist made 33 stops for Willmar.

"We stayed with them, but a couple of mistakes hurt us," said Willmar coach Rick Dahle. "Our girls are disappointed, but they worked hard down here."

The Cardinals allowed 13 goals in losing its first two games at Austin.

Willmar (4-10) will try to end a seven-game skid on Tuesday when they host Sartell/Sauk Rapids.

New Prague 3, Willmar 2

New Prague (4-10-1) 0 1 2 -- 3

Willmar (4-10) 1 1 0 -- 2

FIRST PERIOD - Wil: Chelsea Wierschem (unassisted), 10:06

SECOND PERIOD - NP: Shannon Meyer (Mariah Holicky), :08 ... Wil: Ashley Hutton (Ali Sing, Wierschem), 8:08, pp

THIRD PERIOD - NP: Holicky (Meyer), 1:36 ... NP: Meyer (unassisted), 9:24

GOALIE SAVES - New Prague: Brittany Sickmann 6-17-14-37 ... Willmar: Amanda Croonquist 7-13-13-33