There are several highly ranked teams lurking at the top of the Northwest Suburban Conference standings, including North Division rivals Blaine and Elk River. And that adds an extra level of interest to their matchup on Saturday.
The No. 4-2A Bengals have started at 5-0 behind strong offensive play. Blaine opened its season with at least seven goals in its first three games, and the Bengals continued showing their scoring prowess last weekend on the road, defeating Hibbing/Chisholm 5-0 and Grand Rapids/Greenway 6-0 in Grand Rapids.
Leading the charge for Blaine is senior Gabby Rosenthal, an Ohio State commit who has nine goals this season.
Goaltending has been strong for the Elks (3-1-1), who have given up an average of one goal per game this season. Junior goalie Megan Jung (2-1, .959 save percentage) has patrolled the net and registered a season-high 39 saves in a 2-1 loss to Eden Prairie on Nov. 16.