International Falls’ girls hockey team is 2-1 going into the Thanksgiving weekend after winning a pair of home games.

A goal by Bailey Bernard, assisted by Jordan Bright and Michele McDonald, at 1:30 into overtime gave the Falls its first win of the season Friday night at Bronco Arena.

The Broncos defeated Silver Bay Area, 2-1.

“We just told the girls between the overtime and the third period, ‘You’ve got to dig down and find a way (to score the winning goal),’” said Falls head coach Gerald Bolstad. “I think we went after it and attacked. That was the difference.”

The Broncos trailed 1-0 when they gave up an unassisted goal to the Mariners’ Taylor Guzzo with 5:48 left in the opening period.

Sydney Raboin evened the score on a goal assisted by Amy Auran and Abbey Fox with 1:09 to play in the second period.

Bolstad said Falls’ victory over Silver Bay Area in overtime wasn’t the prettiest win he’s seen.

“We didn’t play very smart, we didn’t play very well, but a win is a win,” he said. “Anytime you get an ugly win it’s probably nicer than a good win, but it’s a win.”

Bernard said the Broncos have a lot to work on to improve their play on the ice.

“We know that (Friday) wasn’t our best game, but we fought it out and got the win,” she said.

Sophomore goalie Keanna Carlson saved 15 of 16 shots on goal for the Falls.

Bolstad said Carlson and junior Taylar Nelson are both having an opportunity to play in goal early in the season.

“Keanna works hard in practice everyday, and she deserves to play just like Taylar does,” he said. “Keanna got the start, and she played very well.’

The Broncos outshot the Mariners as Silver Bay Area goalie Cassie Swanson saved 18 of 20 shots on goal.

Neither team was able to score on the power play as the Mariners recorded five penalties for 10 minutes, compared to four penalties for 8 minutes for the Falls. All nine penalties took place in the first two periods.

I. Falls 2, Park Rapids 0

The Broncos had a pair of unassisted goals scored by defensive players and a shutout performance in goal by Carlson stopping 19 shots Tuesday night to pick up a 2-0 home victory over Park Rapids Area.

“Our defense played wonderful,” Bolstad said. “I thought they really controlled the tempo of the game. They controlled the game, and our forwards had a little trouble scoring, but that will come.”

After a scoreless opening period, Falls took the lead on senior Alyssa Bergstrom’s unassisted goal with 11:14 to play in the second period.

McDonald, who assisted in Friday’s winning goal in overtime, scored the final unassisted goal against the Panthers with 8:41 to play in the third period.

“Our team has a lot of speed,” McDonald said. “We’re working a lot on skating, and stuff, in practice, and hopefully we continue to get faster and get a lot more rushes like that.”

The Broncos recorded 25 shots on goal.

Falls will be back in action Monday hosting Lake of the Woods.

I. Falls 2, Silver Bay Area 1, OT

Silver Bay 1 0 0 0 — 1

I. Falls 0 1 0 1 — 2

I. Falls 2, Park Rapids Area 0

Park Rapids 0 0 0 — 0

I. Falls 0 1 1 — 2