OWATONNA -- Willmar got goals from Chelsey Bielhartz and Chelsey Wierschem but couldn't match the firepower of North Wright County and dropped a 6-2 decision to the River Hawks on Wednesday.
Willmar plays Hutchinson at noon today in the second round of the Owatonna Invitational.
Down 2-0 in the first period, Beilhartz and Wierschem broke in on the NWC goal on a 2-on-1 with Wierschem tucking the puck in the corner of the net after a pinpoint pass.
Beilhartz scored in the third period after a pass play by Wierschem and Ali Sing, a power play goal.
Abby Schueller made 25 stops in the Willmar net.
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North Wright County 6, Willmar 2
North Wright County (7-3) 2 2 2 -- 6
Willmar (4-8) 1 0 1 -- 2
FIRST PERIOD - NWC: Laurie Barger (Courtney Gamrath) 4:08, pp ... NWC: Gamrath (unassisted) 7:29, pp ... Wil: Chelsey Wierschem (Chelsey Beilhartz) 15:16, power play.
SECOND PERIOD - NWC: Kerry Blomberg 1:45, pp ... NWC: Brook Maier (unassisted) 3:13
THIRD PERIOD - NWC: Marissa Bame (unassisted) 5:15 ... Wil: Beilhartz (Wierschem, Ali Sing) 7:47, pp ... NWC: Alyssa Bier (Anna Sombrio) 9:26
Goalie saves - North Wright County: Kathy Foster 3-7-7-17; Willmar: Abby Schueller 6-9-10-25
