The scoreboard at SAHA read “Home: 3, Away: 2” as the Spartans bench cleared out onto the ice and piled on senior captain Addy Benson in front of the student section. The crowd erupted in electric cheering seconds after Benson found the back of the net about two minutes into overtime, punching the Spartans ticket to the WIAA Section Final game in Hayward.
The No. 2 Superior girls hockey team faced off against the No. 3 Hayward Hurricanes at home on Feb. 24. During the regular season, Superior and Hayward split their games 1-1. Hayward took the first win at Superior’s home opener. The Spartans met them later in January and took the win in overtime with a goal from Benson.
Early in the first period, freshman Lila Sislo fired a shot to the top corner with the assist from junior assistant captain Aaliyah Haroldson. Later, Haroldson scored a goal of her own on the power play, with assists from freshman Nora Madsen, and Benson, giving the Spartans an early 2-0 lead over the Hurricanes. The Hurricanes responded with a goal but closed off the period with the Spartans up 2-1.
“It’s a lot of pressure going into the sectional semi-final against a team like Hayward, we knew it was going to be a close game but we knew we couldn’t fall to the pressure,” said Haroldson.
During the second period, the Spartans and sophomore goalie Peyton Benoit held off Hayward until 17 seconds left when Hayward tied it up 2-2. Both teams battled during the third period but neither were able to score, forcing them into overtime. It was a familiar scene for both teams. Last year, Superior hosted Hayward for the sectional semi-final game, they went into overtime, but however it was not the end Superior was hoping for as they fell in double overtime.
“I was feeling very anxious and nervous. As soon as the third period buzzer went off, I immediately thought about last year and how we lost in overtime. I didn’t want our season to end the same way again,” said senior defenseman Lexi Kimmes.
The story didn’t end the same as last season though. Benson found the puck on the blue line and stick handled through the Hayward defense and around the goalie scoring the overtime goal to end the game. Benson was out for last year’s playoff due to a shoulder injury. Benoit ended with a total of 21 saves in her first ever playoff game.
“My motivation was I want these girls to know what it feels like to beat Hayward and go to state. I know we’re not there yet and Northland Pines is also going to be a tough game, but I knew it had to get done and I am so happy we get to keep playing because I love those girls and they’re my family,” said Benson.
The Spartans will be playing next against Northland Pines in the sectional finals on Saturday, Feb. 28. This game will decide who will be heading to Madison for the WIAA girls hockey state tournament.
