OWATONNA — Paige Radue scored three goals and the Owatonna girls hockey team overcame a Century goal in the first minute of the game to win its fourth game in a row.

The Panthers scored just 43 seconds into the first period, but Owatonna controlled the rest of the way and beat Century 5-1.

“We blew coverage in front, they had a girl waiting in the high slot and she put it in the upper corner,” OHS coach Tim Hunst said. “It was a good goal by them and not very good coverage by us.”

Abby Sawyer scored the tying goal at the 3:20 mark, and then Radue gave Owatonna (5-1 Big Nine, 5-3 overall) the lead with an assist from Emily Cochran at 6:24 of the second period. Radue scored twice more in the third period and Lauren Spatenka pitched in another goal to finish the scoring.

“Our girls didn’t worry to the point that they were freaking out, but they did get a little more of a wake-up call,” Hunst said. “It took that goal to finally get them really focused in on what they needed to do.”

Owatonna controlled the third period with 20 shots on goal in the final 17 minutes. Part of the reason for that was Hunst’s strategy of running three lines.

“Our girls were a little fresher,” Hunst said. “Not only that, they were able to turn it up a notch.”

Radue certainly took advantage with two third-period goals and another shot that clanged off the post. Hunst said Radue’s big game did not surprise him.

“We’ve seen it building from Paige,” the coach said. “She started out the season looking pretty good, and then went into a bit of a slump. The last few games, she’s been playing better. Against Albert Lea, she had a fantastic effort, and tonight she was great. She was on. We wanted to make sure we got the puck because she had the hot hand.”

Owatonna will play at Big Nine-leading Rochester Mayo at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. The Huskies also have a key section game Thursday at Farmington.

“Those are two biggies,” Hunst said.

Century 1 0 0 — 1
Owatonna 1 1 3 — 5
OHS scoring: Abby Sawer 3:20; Paige Radue (Emily Cochran) 6:24; Radue (1:14); Lauren Spatenka (3:03); Radue (Shelby Noble, Tess Heyer) 4:39. Shots on goal: Century 25, Owatonna 43. OHS goalie: Mallorie Dietz 24 saves.