Class AA powerhouse, Hopkins (6-0-0)  came into Orono ranked in the top 5 in the state. The Spartans, who were coming off two big wins up north, were hopefully coming into the game.

“We knew they were good and  they were going to be tough,” senior Katherine Spurlock said. The Spartans, who were 3-1 coming in, were led by junior defenseman Haley Nielsen in points.

The Spartans jumped on the Royals quick, going up 2-0 in one and half periods. Led by senior captain, Madison Martini, and senior Stephanie Knight with the two goals. “It looked good from there,” Spurlock said.

But then the tables turned, the Royals scored seven unanswered goals for the rest of the game to cap of their, 2-7 win over the Spartans.

“We were up 2-0 on them, and then let them score seven unanswered,” said Martini. The Spartans got into to penalty trouble, with 3 of the 7 goals were power play goals for Hopkins.

“We will learn from this and move on,” said Spurlock, “But I am still proud of our girls and the hope we can battle back this Friday to beat East Grand Forks.”

The Spartans will play East Grand Forks Friday, Nov. 22.