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