Minot's seniors weren't just going to let their emotions get the best of them.
They were going to get the most out of them, too.
Their 2-0 Senior Night triumph against Fargo North on Saturday night Maysa Arena was enough for the Majettes to forget about their roller coaster season.
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Ryan Collingwood/MDN
Minot High School’s Makaila Anderson looks to score from behind Fargo North’s goal during the Majettes’ 2-1 win over the Spartans on Friday at Maysa Arena.
On this night, which saw Minot solidify its spot as the No. 6 seed heading to the state tournament, the Majettes made a statement with their inspired play.
"All year we've been stuck in a rut," a misty-eyed Jessie Kongelf said. "But we showed that we can play at a higher level."
Kongelf scored at the end of the first period and fellow senior Angie Lothspeich added a goal in the third period, helping the Majettes (10-11, 9-10) avenge a 2-1 loss to the Spartans in January.
It was the play of senior goalie Karlee Galvin that threw the biggest wrench into North's plans.
Galvin, who missed all of her junior season and part of her sophomore season due to a concussion, posted her first shutout since before the injury. She batted away all 19 attempts that came her way.
"It's the best feeling in the world right now," Galvin said. "That was the best game we've played all year."
The Majettes' assertive play - both offensively and defensively - was apparent from the start, as they fired 14 attempts in the first period
North's (8-13, 6-10) defense clamped down in the second and third periods, as Minot totalled just 25 shots.
But with the troubles the Spartans had with the puck, the smallest cushion would have sufficed for Minot.
"We've struggled all year scoring goals and that showed tonight," North coach Kris Dougherty said. "Give Minot credit, they kept coming at us. We had our chances but we just didn't finish."
After dropping seven of eight games in January, Minot has now won three of its last four.
"Everyone played with their heart on their sleeve," Minot coach Weylin Wahlstom said. "They took their emotions and used for them motivation in the game. Just a great effort overall."
The Majettes conclude their regular season against state-favorite West Fargo (16-1, 15-0) today at 2 p.m. at Maysa Arena.