FIRST HALF – All eight of the Pirate seniors got the start, and they were tested early. East Grand Forks was able to break through the Crookston midfield, but the defense quickly found a way to flip the field. Crookston’s offense brought the tempo early, knowing the Green Wave would utilize a more defensive-based game plan. In the 10th minute, Crookston would strike first as Jack Everett would sidestep a defender and hook a shot from the back line around the goalpost and into the net. Everett was assisted by Jay Reese, who fed him from the sideline. “(Jack) has had some shots this year, but not many have gone his way this year,” said Pirates head coach Lon Boike. The Pirate offense controlled the tempo and kept the Green Wave out of their offensive third for the majority of the half. Crookston’s offense was able to break through the Green Wave defense again just 10 minutes later, as Reese punched in the second Pirate goal of the evening, making the score 2-0. He was unassisted as he lured EGF keeper Liam Brendon out of the net and shot around him for the goal. EGF had a couple of offensive chances late in the half, but short corner kicks found Crookston’s defense, which was quick to clear the ball away from the net.