New Ulm currently rules the Big South Conference standings, but the Eagles (12-6-0, 9-0-0) are in a three-way race for the top seed in Class 1A, Section 2 with No. 4-1A Hutchinson and No. 7-1A Mound Westonka.
Senior Molly Scheid (15 goals, 23 points) and sophomore Julie Helget (11 goals, 20 points) are New Ulm’s top scorers, and goaltender Ava Brennan (1.39 goals against average) has played every minute in goal.
Half of Hutchinson’s losses came in the last two weeks, as the Tigers (12-4-0, 5-2-0) had setbacks against Sartell/Sauk Rapids (2-1 on Jan. 2) and Orono (5-2 on Jan. 10). Senior Alex Hantge spearheads the Tigers with 33 points, junior Maddy Seifert is the team's leader in goals with 15 and top goaltender Hannah Ladwig has a 1.95 goals against average.