Storm Tops Stars, Sets Up Series With the Sockers

ST. LOUIS —  The St. Louis Storm emerged victorious from their MSL Western Division semifinal series against the Tacoma Stars, winning 9-2 Saturday night at The Arena. By winning, the Storm sent a message to Socker goalie Victor Nogueira: Watch out.

During the three games, the Storm outscored Tacoma, 21-7.

The Storm now await the start of the division final against the Sockers. It begins Thursday at the San Diego Sports Arena.

In this series finale, defender Mark Frederickson scored a hat trick. He stole center stage from forward Preki, who had two goals.

Dan Donigan also scored twice for St. Louis and Storm ‘keeper Zoltan Toth came within 3:34 of his first career playoff shutout. Willie Molano scored on an assist from Ralph Black to make sure Toth wouldn’t get it.

Brian Schmetzer and Emil Dragicevic also scored for St. Louis and Thompson Usiyan contributed four assists.

If the division finals follow the same pattern that emerged during the regular season when St. Louis and San Diego met, then there should be plenty of drama. In the eight games between the two:

* Each team won four times.

* Six were decided by one goal.

* Four went into overtime.

* The Sockers scored 40 goals, the Storm 39.