Lindsey Coleman scored four goals as Burnsville defeated Eastview 7-4 to win the Class 2A, Section 3 championship Wednesday night at Veterans Memorial Community Center in Inver Grove Heights.
The Blaze (19-8-1) will make its first state appearance since 2010. Burnsville overcame a two-goal deficit after the first period and outscored Eastview (17-10-1) by five goals in the second and third periods.
"Being down, it was such an experience," said Coleman, a senior. "And we knew we could bounce back right away, but it was awesome."
Coleman's four goals included the game-winner early in the third period. She also scored twice in the second period and added an empty-net goal with one minute left in the game.
Burnsville trailed Eastview 3-1 after one period, but the Blaze responded in the second. Coleman scored 1:18 into the period and senior Emma Wittchow added a power-play goal at 5:56.
Eastview took a 4-3 lead on a power-play goal by senior Liz Palmi 10:45 into the second period. Coleman added her second goal with 33 seconds left in the period to tie the score at 4-all. She put Burnsville up 5-4 just more than a minute into the third period, and senior Briita Nelson scored with 3:03 left to give the Blaze a 6-4 lead.
Burnsville was 1-1 against Eastview during the regular season but lost its most recent meeting 5-3 on Jan. 25.
"We feel good about how we're playing right now," Burnsville coach Tracy Cassano said. "When we've got things rolling, we feel confident about our team."
