“[We are] definitely keeping focus and keeping our eye on the goal,” Foley said. “We’re sad tonight [as seniors], but we have to remember that it’s not over yet and we have a long way to go.”

Marshall jumped to a 7-0 lead following the first two periods, with four goals in the second, and never lost sight of its lead. DeMuth’s century-mark milestone came in the second period after scoring a goal in the seventh minute.

Brooklyn Mauch led the way with three goals and three assists, while Elsie Deutz netted in another pair of goals with an assist. Foley finished with two assists, while Kesteloot and Brielle Felton Krog each had a goal as well.

Marshall outshot the Eagles 36-17, and Lily Stelter finished the night in the net with 16 saves.

Marshall senior Abbey Foley looks to make a pass in the second period against New Ulm Thursday night on senior night.

The Tigers and Eagles also met on Tuesday this week, with Marshall coming away with a 9-1 victory behind Mauch’s five goals and three assists. Foley also assisted on a trio of goals in the win.

Thursday’s matchup with New Ulm was a rescheduled game from the Dec. 9 postponement.

A senior night celebration

Thursday’s game was a celebration of Marshall’s senior duo in Kesteloot and Foley.

“This has meant a lot to me. Being able to play on this team has been such an experience, because every single girl wants it so much,” Foley said. “We all love it so much, and we all love each other so much. It’s just been so great being able to be here all these years.”

The Marshall girls hockey team celebrates Avery Kesteloot's goal in the second period against New Ulm Thursday night.

“I really love the environment. I love this team more than I love playing hockey, because they make it better,” Kesteloot added.

The two have both played hockey since their early childhoods, and were recognized prior to the game as well as with a gathering of family, teammates and coaches following the win. A collage of photos and a tribute video for Foley and Kesteloot played on the arena’s video screen prior to puck drop.

“I was really sad when they played the videos at the beginning, but I got locked in for the game,” Kesteloot said, laughing. “I am sad about being a senior, though.”

Foley plays forward, and Kesteloot plays as a defender.

Kesteloot and Foley have been significant contributors to the varsity squad during their prep careers, and helped lead Marshall to the state tournament last season for the first time since 2018.

“So far, [I’m feeling] happy with the big win, but I think that will go to being sad, but also [being] proud of ourselves,” Foley said regarding senior night emotions. “[There will] probably be a lot of sad emotions throughout the night, but a lot of happy moments that we’ve been able to experience with everybody.”

Marshall also recognized its two senior student managers Kyra Kere and Kyra Skogrand in the gameday celebrations.

Foley will also be playing collegiate hockey at Concordia Moorhead.

Handling the Eagles

Marshall held possession and spent a majority of the opening period in New Ulm’s attack zone, putting together a three-goal lead heading into the first intermission.

Deutz got the scoring started with a goal in the third minute, assisted by Nora Holmgren, on a power play after the Eagles were put in the penalty box early with a body checking call. Deutz received the puck off the right side and shot it into the back left of the net.

Mauch scored the next two goals to end the period, the first of which came just over a minute later off of Deutz’s goal. She shot the puck after reaching the front end of the crease unassisted.

Mauch followed that up with just over three minutes to go in the first with an assist from Foley who was stationed in the back of the net, as Mauch finished the play with a high shot above New Ulm goalie Ava Schmid’s shoulder.

The Eagles put together a few good looks in transition, yet Marshall’s defense continued to find the answer just as much as the offense, and continued to steal the puck and put it back in Tigers’ possession.

The second period was highlighted by a senior-connection with Foley finding Kesteloot toward the back of the right faceoff circle for an impressive goal from deep in the second minute.

Foley and Kesteloot both noted they enjoyed making a play together on senior night, and said they thought the team collectively played well tonight and were focused throughout.

DeMuth secured her 100th point about five minutes later in exhilarating fashion after scoring off a rebound, which also put the Tigers ahead 7-0.

Felton Krog and Mauch also scored in the period, with Felton Krog’s assisted by Deutz.

The Tigers also had a chance to show their versatility with only having three players on the ice for about a minute, not including Stelter, after Deutz and Lucie Pearson were called for minor penalties. Marshall was able to hold off any New Ulm shots while being shorthanded.

Marshall ultimately put the game away with its four-goal second period, and cruised the rest of the way. New Ulm scored its lone goal in the final period with three minutes to play.

Marshall moves to 19-4 on the season, and will play its final home game of the regular season today at 5:30 p.m. against Waseca (0-15). The matchup is rescheduled from a Jan. 16 postponement.

Following today’s game, the Tigers will wrap up the regular season at Luverne (14-7) on Tuesday before looking to embark on another deep postseason run, with eyes set on winning the section and making it back to the state tournament for a second-straight year.