For the last three seasons, the MYHSAL Girls Hockey championship has featured the same two teams: the Ma’ayanot Rapids and the Frisch Cougars. Even when the teams have played each other during the regular season, the games have always been close, with the Rapids’ last two trips to Frisch ending in ties. So, when the rivalry was renewed on Monday, April 18, it was a foregone conclusion that it would be a tight game.

In the first period, Ma’ayanot defense was dominant. Michal Rosenfeld ’17, Avigayil Keiser ’17 and Kayla Tarlow ’19 were all effective at clearing the ball out of the Ma’ayanot zone; the period ended with the game scoreless.

Frisch took the first lead of the game early in the second period. Jolie Levart ’18 tied the score later in the period. When the Frisch goalie lost sight of the ball, Jolie knocked it in to make the score 1-1.

Early in the third period, Frisch looked to go ahead again but Rapids goalie Kayla Kalb ’18 made a great save on a breakaway. Midway through the period, Rebecca Malech ’18 took advantage of a breakaway of her own and put the Rapids ahead for the first time, 2-1. The Cougars responded shortly afterward, however, tying the game at 2 with under 4 minutes remaining; It appeared as though these teams would have yet another game spill over to overtime. But with just over 3 minutes left in regulation, Ayelet Marder ’18 dug the ball out from along the boards and passed it to Avigayil Shapiro ’16. Avigayil one-timed the bouncing ball into the net and Ma’ayanot was back on top, 3-2. Frisch attempted to rally but the Rapids increased their pressure. Much of the last 3 minutes of the game was spent in the Frisch zone. The game ended with a final score of 3-2 and Ma’ayanot enjoyed Pesach break on a winning streak.

By Jen Sanders