Fargo South wasted little time Thursday to show why it is the only undefeated team in North Dakota girls hockey.
Kara Tupa scored 58 seconds into the Bruins' 10-1 win over eighth-seeded Williston during the quarterfinals of the state hockey tournament at Olympic Arena.
"That was one of our biggest things we talked about with the first game," said South coach Josh Rogers. "It needs to be that quick start. We needed to set the tone for how we are going to play the next three days. I was really impressed with what the girls did."
The win sends the Bruins to today's 1 p.m. semifinals at Purpur Arena against West Fargo.
South senior forward Lindsay Nagel, who entered the quarterfinals tied for the state lead in goals scored with 39, scored three of the Bruins' last four goals in the opening period.
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"We played very good offensively and defensively," Nagel said. "Everybody was strong in every aspect, so that helps a lot and hopefully we can carry that on into the other games."
Nagel scored her fourth goal to open the second period, giving the Bruins a 7-0 advantage.
"(Lindsay) stepped up," Rogers said. "She scored a couple of key goals right at the beginning and then she fed her linemates. It was a good day for the top line."
Kara Tupa added another goal to close the second period. She finished with two goals and two assists. Lauren Tupa posted a goal and three assists for the Bruins (24-0-0).
Williston (9-15-0) was held scoreless until the 3:53 mark of the third period when Kayla Buck scored an unassisted goal.
"(South) takes advantage of that open ice off their puck movement," Williston coach Mat Ekblad said. "That is what beat us out."
Last year, South lost to North in the state semifinals.
"We still have to compete," Nagel said. "No game is guaranteed and I hope we can play like we did today every game. Hopefully we have our legs and minds in the right place to do that.
