Grand Rapids/Greenway is one of the few teams from outstate Minnesota that holds a state ranking in metro-heavy Class 2A. On Thursday, the Lightning will be tested by Duluth Marshall, a Class 1A team that just had a three-game winning streak snapped.
Aside from a 4-1 loss to Edina on Dec. 8, No. 8-2A Grand Rapids/Greenway (10-1, 2-0) has been perfect this season. The Lightning offense features senior forward Sadie Peart, a Quinnipiac commit with 30 points (15 goals, 15 assists) this season.
Duluth Marshall (6-3, 0-1) was on the cusp of its longest winning streak of the season, but 4-0 loss to Benilde-St. Margaret’s on Dec. 15 — its lone blemish this month — end the run at three. The Hilltoppers hope to start ascending again, but it won't be easy with three consecutive road games, including Friday's visit to Ralph Engelstad Arena.
To avoid going scoreless for second time this season, Duluth Marshall will look to get its offense — one that that has outscored opponents by an average of more than two goals per game — back on track, and it may start with senior forward Emily Lemker, who sits atop the Hilltoppers' stats sheet with 12 points through nine games.