Hopes for a big finish to the regular season that would help them carry momentum into the playoffs did not materialize for the Badger Lightning varsity girls’ hockey team who dropped a 7-2 decision to the host Lakeshore Lightning at the Ozaukee Ice Center on Thursday night.

By the time senior, Ellie Goethel notched the team’s first goal, 21 seconds from the end of the middle period, she was cutting into a 5-0 cushion for the home side.

Another Senior, Bailey Babcock, sank another for the Badger Lightning in the fifth minute of the final frame, getting the locals to within three but the home team added two more in the second half of the period erasing any thoughts of a comeback.

Seniors Kaylee Engel and Allison Knull collected assists on the Goethel tally, and it was sophomore Daelynn Merrill setting up Babcock.

The Lakeshore squad made the most of its opportunities, owning the wide margin despite a fairly even 34-28 margin on the shot clock.

The loss wrapped up a 5-15 regular season for the Lightning who will open the post season on Thursday at Sun Prairie Arena as the Section’s seventh seed against the Cap City Cougars, seeded number two.