New Ulm vs. Hutchinson

7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 18

Though neither team has cracked the top 10 of the Class 1A rankings, both are primed to be in the mix for a state tournament appearance as two of the top three teams in Section 2.

For New Ulm (15-3-1, 9-0-0), it all starts with the state's top goal scorer this season, senior forward and Wisconsin-River Falls commit Ali Beltz, who has 44 goals and 26 assists.

Beltz has a point in every game this season, including Saturday's 2-2 tie against Orono, where she scored both of her team's goals before leaving the game late in overtime due to an injury.

Hutchinson (9-8-1, 4-3-0) will try to counter the Eagles' powerful offense with its own scoring prowess. The Tigers boast a balanced scoring attack that includes sophomore forward Alex Hantge, who has a team-high 15 goals and 14 assists.