FIRST HALF – With winds over 25 miles per hour to start the game, both teams dealt with the challenges of moving the ball early. Crookston was kicking into the wind while the Wolves had it to their backs. Crookston would get one of their few scoring chances late in the second minute, but the wind slowed down the shot from Kinsley Wangen in front of the net and allowed Wolves goalkeeper Angelique White to come out for the save. The Wolves would get a few offensive chances as well in the early part of the first, but stifling defense kept many shots from being fired. “We played good team defense and we were able to play smart, keeping the ball out of the middle and out of the danger zone,” said Pirates head coach Sarah Reese. Other open shots were carried away from the net by the wind. Naomi Johnson saw few challenges in the net, making four saves in the first half. The Pirate offense got into scoring position once again in the 25th minute, but a centering kick from Brooklyn Waldal was slowed by the wind well before it made its way to the net.