Both Hill-Murray and Edina saw opportunities to score on third-period power plays. Only the Pioneers (24-5) converted, however, earning a 2-1 victory in a Class A semifinal Friday and the chance to defend their state title.

Laura Anderson's rebound goal with less than five minutes left made Edina pay for its five-minute major penalty.

"It was a great shot from the point and I turned around to see the puck and an empty net," Anderson said. "I was hoping I wouldn't whiff."

Postgame laughs came easy. But Edina's two-man advantage for the final 1 minute, 44 seconds of the game made the tension palpable. Edina coach Laura Slominski believed her team would tie and likely force overtime. The equalizer never came.

Edina (21-8-1) trailed 1-0 until Taylor Williamson, the Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year, tied the game with a great individual effort. She got three chances near the Hill-Murray goal and finished the third.

Momentum swung Hill-Murray's way after Williamson was whistled for contact to the head and received a five-minute major penalty. Slominski grieved for all her players after the loss, particularly Williamson.

Edina’s Anna Klein broke her stick in the second period of the Class 2A semifinal game against Hill-Murray on Friday.

"When a kid is sitting in the penalty box it's tough on them," Slominski said. "But I reminded Taylor that we wouldn't be where we are without her."

A Hill-Murray players-only meeting earlier in the day helped create a collective focus.

"Our saying is, 'Perfect effort,' " Anderson said.

DAVID LA VAQUE