Marshall and Luverne enter the week seated atop the Big South Conference standings, with only three points separating them.
Marshall has ridden a six-game unbeaten streak to the top of the conference standings, and Sydney Mauch has helped spur the Tigers’ success this season, scoring 33 goals. With only two league games remaining, including Thursday's matchup with Luverne, the Tigers (15-4-3, 10-1-1) have little room for error if they want to win the Big South title.
Luverne's quest for the league crown remains true, guided by Kamryn Van Batavia (23 goals) and a dynamic offensive (83 goals). The Cardinals (13-4-2, 8-2-0), who host Minnesota River on Tuesday, also cannot squander the opportunity on Thursday to close the gap on Marshall. To top the Tigers, Van Batavia and her teammates must pile up the points, similar to the way they defeated Marshall in a 5-4 decision on Dec. 4.