Farmington, Minn. -- Farmington bounced back from its first loss of the season with a solid 6-1 South Suburban Conference win over Prior Lake Thursday night at Schmitz-Maki Arena.
Six different Tigers scored goals, a fact not lost on coach
Jon Holmes.
"That's what coaches dream for," he said. "Don't get me wrong…It's great to have one or two prolific scorers but when you have this kind of balance, it puts a lot of pressure on the other team's defense."
Katie Klotz,
Paige Johnson,
Jenna Goblirsch,
Julia Gerwing,
Lexi Giller, and
Amelia Goblirsch all found the back of the net for the winners.
Kennedy Meier and
Taylor Risch each chipped in with a pair of assists. Klotz, Johnson,
Payton Blom,
Layla Garofalo and Josey Empey each had one.
Farmington dominated the first period, outshooting their guests 21-6, and took a 2-0 lead into the first break. Both scores came on special teams, a power play goal by Klotz and a shorthanded score by Johnson. Three of the six Tiger goals came via special teams.
"This is a big emphasis for us, especially as we get further into the season," Holmes said. "Because we are young, more veteran teams may see that as a weakness. We want to turn it into a strength."
Farmington spent much of the second period killing off three penalties but added the only score of the period to build a three-goal lead.
The Tigers added three more scores in the final frame to lead 6-0 before the Lakers managed to get on the board with what Holmes termed an "ugly" goal in the game's closing seconds.
The late Laker score ruined what would have been the second straight shutout for sophomore goalkeeper Makena Underwoods who turned in a 19-save performance. The Tigers outshot the visitors 37-20.
Underwood has allowed just two goals in her three starts and owns a lofty .974 save percentage.
"Makena is playing very well," Holmes said. "She looks confident and is forcing shooters to take the shots she wants them to."
The victory raised Farmington's overall season record to 5-1; 4-1 in South Suburban play. Prior Lakes sits at 4-4 and 1-3.
The Tigers, currently in sole possession of third place in the conference standings, host league rival Eastview (5-2; 3-2) Saturday afternoon at Schmitz-Maki Arena.
