ESSEX — The Middlebury Union High School girls’ hockey team won twice last week, including a big road victory against the defending Division I champions by the defending D-II champion. MUHS moved to D-I this winter after winning D-II this past season.
On Wednesday, Emma Best recorded a hat trick for the second straight game as the Tigers got past host Rutland, 5-1. Harper Smith and Julie Carone also scored for the Tigers, while Helen Anderson set up two scores. Rowan Hendy backstopped the win with seven saves, while Raider goalie Kelsey Eddy stopped 21 shots.
The big news came on Friday, when the Tigers defeated Essex, 2-1. Essex (6-3) took the lead midway through the second period on an Amanda Sinkewicz strike, but the Tigers struck back with two goals 13 seconds apart later in the period.
Tulley Hescock tied the game, with an assist from Carone, and then Andi Boe netted the unassisted game-winner almost immediately afterward.
The Tigers outshot the Hornets, 25-11. Hendy made 10 saves, and Essex goalie Vika Simons stopped 23 shots.
The Tigers will host North Country on Monday night in a game rescheduled from Jan. 3, and Rice will visit MUHS at 5 p.m. on Saturday.