Willmar girls hockey season ends in Section 2A quarterfinals

Second-seeded Minnesota River tops No. 7 Cardinals 3-1

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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The Willmar girls hockey team's season came to an end in the Section 2A quarterfinals, as they fell 3-1 to second-seeded Minnesota River on Thursday. The Bulldogs scored twice in the second period before Willmar's Lily Jorgenson cut the deficit to 2-1 in the third. But Minnesota River added an insurance goal late to secure the victory and advance to the section semifinals.

Why it matters

The loss ends Willmar's season after they finished the year with a 6-19-1 record. Minnesota River, meanwhile, moves on to face third-seeded River Lakes in the section semifinals, with the winner advancing to the 2A championship game.

The details

Minnesota River opened the scoring with a short-handed goal from Noelle Simonette in the first period. They added another goal from Maren Swenson in the second before Willmar's Lily Jorgenson scored to make it 2-1 in the third. But the Bulldogs sealed the win with a late goal from Macey Portner.

  • The game was played on Thursday at the Le Sueur Indoor Ice Arena.
  • Minnesota River scored the short-handed goal at 4:10 of the first period.
  • Swenson scored Minnesota River's second goal at 9:35 of the second period.
  • Jorgenson scored Willmar's lone goal at 8:17 of the third period.
  • Portner scored Minnesota River's insurance goal at 9:43 of the third period.

The players

Noelle Simonette

Scored the opening short-handed goal for Minnesota River.

Macey Portner

Scored the insurance goal for Minnesota River in the third period.

Maren Swenson

Scored Minnesota River's second goal of the game.

Lily Jorgenson

Scored Willmar's lone goal in the third period to cut the deficit to 2-1.

Eli Ewert

Willmar's junior goaltender who made 35 saves.

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What’s next

The winner of the Minnesota River vs. River Lakes semifinal will advance to play in the Section 2A championship game on Wednesday at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter.

The takeaway

Willmar's season comes to an end after a tough 6-19-1 campaign, while Minnesota River moves on to the section semifinals as they look to advance to the championship game.