The Swift Current Swift Hockey Co. Wildcats are just one win away from reaching the provincial final.
The U15 AA Wildcats defeated the host Regina Rebels White 4-2 on Friday to open the best-of-three series.
Defensemen Hope Hunter scored twice in the first period to give the Wildcats a lead they would never relinquish. Haley Watteyne scored in the second period to make it 3-1 and Makenna Fox added an empty net goal with 1:40 remaining in regulation to close the scoring.
Ellie Weinbender and Kysa Getzinger had assists for the Wildcats. Avairy Hein made 31 saves on 33 shots to improve to 5-2 with a 1.78 goals against average and a .928 save percentage on the playoffs.
Ashlyn Lockert and Maya Dawson replied for the Rebels. Bianca Tofffan made 19 saves in the loss.
Hunter is tied for the league lead with 10 points in seven playoff games.
The Wildcats will attempt to close out the series on Sunday at 7 p.m. at S3 West Arena.
The Warman Wildcats lead the Saskatoon Comet Impact in the North Final.
