After Hopkins Park’s first lost of the season, sophomore Erin Brousseau said game started strong then became more challenging. The team played against Anoka Nov. 15.

“I think it started out pretty good and then we kind of just a little bit more sloppy than we wanted it to. I don’t think we were connecting on passes as much as we would’ve liked,” Brousseau said.

Hopkins Park lost 2-5 to Anoka. The teams overall record is 2-1.

According to head coach Ryan St. Martin, even though the effort could have been better, there was improvement in the second period from past games.

“You know I don’t think it was our best effort by any means but we were happy that we played a good second period that’s kind of been our low point in the other games we’ve had this season.” St. Martin said.

Senior Mary Gleason said the team’s low energy and encouragement stood out in the game.

“People were not as excited and energy on the bench and on the ice just was intense and wasn’t ready and focused for the game,” Gleason said.

St. Martin said Anoka took advantage of the opportunities given during the game.

“I think it was just the little things that made a difference. Anoka did a nice job capitalizing on all their opportunities and it seemed like we were just taking a second too long holding the puck,” St. Martin said.

According to Brousseau, to prepare for the next game the team will work on coming on top in battles.

“For the next game I think that we’ll just try to focus on winning the battles and being aggressive,” Brousseau said.

According to MN Girls’ Hockey Hub, Hopkins Park will compete against Bloomington Jefferson at 3 p.m. Nov. 17 at Bloomington Ice Garden.