Lake Cowboy Rallies Past Pellicci Ace Hardware to Advance to Celly Cup Final

Edina, MN – July 29, 2025

The opening night of the 2025 Celly Cup Playoffs delivered a heavyweight showdown as Lake Cowboy and two-time defending champion Pellicci Ace Hardware renewed their fierce rivalry in a semi-final clash at Braemar Arena. In a battle between the league’s most decorated franchise and its current juggernaut, it was Lake Cowboy who emerged victorious with a 5-3 win, punching their ticket to the championship game.

Despite missing two of the league’s top four scorers—Katelyn Roberts (PSU) (7g-11a-18pts) and Bella Fanale (UM) (6g-3a-9pts)—Lake Cowboy relied on its depth, defense, and goaltending to overcome adversity and maintain their perfect season.

Pellicci Ace Hardware, who entered the playoffs with a 3-4-1 record and the league’s highest goals against total (36), came out swinging. They grabbed a 2-1 lead in the first period with power play and even strength tallies from Marie Moran (SCSU) and Makayla Moran (MSU), respectively. But Lake Cowboy remained composed.

After an early goal by Alexa Hanrahan (Assumption) opened the scoring for Lake Cowboy, they would unleash a four-goal second half. Grayson Limke (Sacred Heart) evened the game at 2-2 off a slick passing play from Hanrahan and Justina Valentini (Assumption). Minutes later, Lola Reid (BU) gave Lake Cowboy the lead with a crucial unassisted goal. Reid wasn’t done—she struck again shorthanded to make it 4-2 and swing full momentum to the undefeated squad.

Pellicci’s Makayla Moran answered with her second of the game to cut the deficit to 4-3 with just over five minutes remaining. But a late Lake Cowboy penalty opened the door for Ace Hardware, who pulled their goalie to create a 6-on-4 power play. Lake Cowboy’s penalty kill and Sedona Blair (UNH) stood tall, fending off the attack before Ellie Zakrajsheck (UMD) sealed the win with a shorthanded empty-net goal in the final minute.

Blair was stellar yet again, stopping 21 of 24 shots and anchoring a defense that allowed the fewest goals during the regular season. Lake Cowboy outshot Pellicci 27-24 in a high-energy, physical contest.

With the win, Lake Cowboy advances to their first-ever Celly Cup Final and remains unbeaten at 9-0 on the season. Their opponent will be decided in the second semifinal of the night, but if Tuesday proved anything, it’s that this team’s depth, grit, and defensive core make them the team to beat.

3 Stars of the Game
1. Lola Reid (Lake Cowboy) – Scored the game-winner and added a key shorthanded goal.
2. Sedona Blair (Lake Cowboy) – Made 21 saves, including several under intense pressure late.
3. Makayla Moran (Pellicci Ace Hardware) – Scored twice and was a consistent threat in transition.