MADISON - The first period was the difference as the Rock County Fury saw their dream season come to a close with a 5-2 loss to Madison Metro Lynx in the WIAA girls hockey state semifinal March 5 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison.

The Lynx scored three first period goals to go up 3-0 at the first intermission.

"We learned throughout the season that the first period is never our strong suit," Monroe junior forward Anika Einbeck said. "I really think we fought back hard and played the best game that we could."

In the second period, Albany junior Alyssa Knauf put the Fury on the board with a highlight-reel goal. Sister Haley Knauf, a senior, sent a deflected pass out in front of the net towards Alyssa, who went down in a head-first dive to the ice.

"I actually did not see the puck - I just felt it hit my stick," said Alyssa, who flipped the puck past the net-minder to light the lamp. Alyssa also played the game while under the weather.

The goal was one of just two that the Fury could put by Lynx freshman goalie Addie Armstrong, who finished the night with 30 saves (.937 save percentage). Anika Einbeck, a Monroe junior forward, added a goal in the third period to make it 4-2 with 4:33 left in regulation. Unfortunately, the Lynx scored one more time to stifle any late energy the Fury could muster up.

Sophomore goalie Olivia Cronin finished the game with 14 saves on 19 shots (.763 save percentage).

"OC joined us her freshman year (when) I was a junior, and I feel like I just kind of adopted her. She's just been one of my best friends," Haley Knauf said. "In the playoffs, she was incredible for us - she was our rock. I'm really proud of her. She's got two more seasons, and I'm calling it now: She's going to be all-state, all-conference; she's going to lead the Fury."

The Fury finish the season with a 16-9 record. Einbeck and Haley Knauf were second-team all-state selections. Alyssa Knauf was honorable mention all-state and coach Luke Steurer was the Section 4 coach of the year. Haley Knauf will play for Aurora University next season, while linemates Alyssa and Anika will return with the Fury. The trio has played together for 12 years, including with Team Wisconsin, where they will get to skate together a couple more times.

"(Haley) is such a remarkable player. It's never going to be the same without her," said Einbeck, who admitted telling her coach the program should retire Haley's No. 5 jersey.

For deeper analysis on the game, check out the Wednesday, March 11 edition of the Monroe Times.