Essex Junction — The second seeded Mt. Mansfield Union High School Cougars advanced to the VPA Division 2 championship game on Thursday night,  topping the Rice Green Knights 6-1 inside the Essex Rink.

The Cougars jumped to a quick lead, getting goals in the first five minutes from Anna Burke and Jenna Laterreur for a 2-0 lead after one. Rice got back into the game on a Michaela Forgione powerplay goal just 39 seconds into the second, but MMU responded quickly, as Audrey Scott restored their two goal lead at 3:18. Then the Cougars sealed the deal with third period goals from Lydia Maitland (6:27), Lauren Hagerty (7:53), and Jackie Ryan (14:45).  MMU goaltender Fiona Dulude backstopped the win with 23 saves for the Cougars. Emma Forgione made 18 stops in the loss for the Green Knights.s

With the win the Cougars advance to the championship game against top seeded U-32 next Wednesday night at Gutterson Fieldhouse.