The Yavneh Academy Avalanche and the SAR Stingrays met Monday at Yavneh for a playoff game.

With Yavneh coach Aliza Hiller cheering them on, just minutes into the first period Chaya Ross scored with an assist by Stephanie Appelbaum.

At the beginning of the second period, SAR scored. By the middle of the period, both teams had had many chances to score, but both goalies played flawless defense denying their opponents a score. But near the end of the period Yavneh’s Jolie Levart scored, with the assist of Julia Reich. The score was now 2-1, Avalanche. Next, Yavneh’s Jessie Gronowitz scored from the defensive zone with an assist by Kineret Leben. Yavneh now led 3-1.

In the third period, SAR fought back hard, scoring its second goal. Then both teams had the ball going back and forth on the court. Then, Yavneh’s Seela Langer scored with the help of Jessie Gronowitz from the defensive zone, making the score 4-2, Avalanche.

With only a minute and a half left, SAR called a time out. When the game resumed, SAR ran for the ball even faster than before, but not enough to overcome the deficit. Final score: Yavneh over SAR, 4-2.

Yavneh is now on its way to the championships.

By Stephanie Appelbaum