Hill-Murray hopes to ride a stifling defense to its first girls' hockey state championship this season after losing to Minnetonka in last year's Class 2A title game.
So after taking a three-goal lead in Thursday's quarterfinals, the Pioneers were admittedly concerned when Burnsville scored its first goal.
But senior defenseman Brittney Anderson answered with a goal 22 seconds later, and the Pioneers held on for a 4-1 victory at Xcel Energy Center.
The No. 2-seeded Pioneers (24-3-1) didn't register a shot on goal for the game's first seven minutes but wound up outshooting the Blaze 43-11.
Burnsville (21-8) had hope when Paige Skaja scored off a nice pass from Lindsey Coleman to make it 3-1 late in the second period.
"The bench went nuts, our fans went nuts, and boom, they answered back," Burnsville coach Tracy Cassano said. "I think that's a testament to their depth and also their experience. The fact they've been here the past couple years, I think it showed."
Jess Bonfe, Rebecca Zarembinski and Kenzie Prater scored as Hill-Murray built a 3-0 lead by early in the second period. Goaltender Leah Patrick (10 saves) and the defense did the rest. The Pioneers have allowed only eight goals in their past 10 games.
"That's definitely a strength of our team, and we rely on that," Pioneers coach Bill Schafhauser said. "I thought we were a little bit tight at the beginning, but I was really pleased as the game progressed."
joe CHRISTENSEN
