Fans will get a preview of two of Class 2A, Section 3’s finest when Eagan visits Burnsville on Saturday, but the Blaze may keep their gaze on another goal: Taking the shine off the Wildcats' dominance in the South Suburban Conference.
Eagan has won its last three games against South Suburban teams to build an almost insurmountable lead in the conference title chase, and part of the team's success can be attributed to its two goalies. Maddie Nickell has nine wins while Ashley Larson has seven while splitting time for the Wildcats (16-3, 12-0).
Burnsville's defense has been its strength this season, allowing opponents an average of little more than one goal per game. Senior goaltender Riley Pester has recorded 12 of her team's wins and has a stellar .942 save percentage.
Pester will need to again be a factor on Saturday, but the offense could hold the key to victory for the Blaze (14-5, 7-5), who fell to the Wildcats 1-0 on Dec. 16 when each team recorded a modest 19 shots on goal.