The Minot United girls hockey team knew it was going to take a Herculean effort to take down top-seeded Fargo North/South, a feat no team from North Dakota has done so far this season.

Instead, the Spruins continued their year of dominance in girls hockey, handling Minot United in an 8-0 victory in the state tournament quarterfinal at the Farmers Union Insurance Center in Fargo on Thursday, Feb. 26. Fargo North/South won all three meetings with Minot United this season.

Kenleigh Fischer netted four goals and added an assist for a five-point game for the Spruins, who advanced to the state semifinal round against West Fargo United on Friday, Feb. 27, at Scheels Arena at noon.

Marin Nelson got the Spruins (22-1-1-0 overall) on the board early, scoring 1:16 into the first period on an assist from Brooklyn Woodard. Fischer potted the next two before the end of the frame, the first coming on the power play off a feed from Teagan Gunderson.

Minot United (6-16-2-0) committed just two penalties, but the Spruins capitalized on both. Fischer put the puck in the back of the net both times. After Jada Purdy put Fargo North/South ahead 4-0 at 3:42 of the second period, Fischer registered the hat trick with Minot United’s Yvonne Slind in the box for interference.

Elise Cooper stretched the Spruins’ advantage to 6-0 heading into the third period.

The Spruins tacked on two more goals before the final horn. Fischer lit the lamp for the fourth time 9:40 into the stanza and Emma Ness capped off the game with just over three minutes remaining.

Fargo North/South held a 50-12 advantage in shots on goal, limiting Minot United to just six shots over the final two periods.

Olivia Rotar picked up her ninth shutout of the season with a 12-save performance. Minot United’s Faith Seekings finished with 42 saves.

Minot United plays an elimination game against Bismarck Century on Friday, Feb. 27, at 5 p.m.