It was a rough start to the season for the female U18 Pembina Valley Hawks.
A busy three-game weekend saw the Hawks fall 3-1 to Central Plains Friday then 8-0 to the Winnipeg Avros Saturday and finally 4-2 to Interlake Sunday.
Pembina Valley could only manage a second period power play goal by Bree Pearce against Central Plains, which outshot them 37-35. Madison Froese took the loss in goal on 34 saves.
A strong Winnipeg squad held period leads of 3-0 and 7-0, and the Avros did a solid job of shutting down the Hawks with a 31-17 edge in shots. Hannah Bannister made 23 saves in net for the Hawks.
It was a close battle then against Interlake with the game tied at 2-2 after 40 minutes, but the Lightning settled things in the final frame with a pair of goals. Pembina Valley got goals from Sophia Cox and Leah Klaassen, while Froese made 23 saves as Interlake held a slim 27-26 edge in shots.
The Hawks will look to get into the win column with a pair of home games this weekend. They welcome the Winnipeg Ice Saturday then host Westman Sunday afternoon.
