Unbeaten Northfield’s closest game this season was a 3-2 victory over Owatonna on Jan. 28 in Northfield, as Mya Wesling’s shorthanded goal with 1 minute, 22 seconds remaining proved to be the winner. That game serves as Owatonna’s lone loss of the season so far. Now the rematch — which will have a major impact on which team wins the Big 9 Conference championship this season — has all the earmarks of becoming another thriller.
Northfield (11-0-0), one of four unbeaten teams remaining in the state, has won seven games by shutout, including five of its last six. Junior Maggie Malecha has played every minute in goal, and she leads the state with 11 wins and a .966 save percentage. Her 0.55 goals-against average ranks second. Freshman Ayla Puppe leads the Raiders in scoring with 13 goals and 20 points.
Owatonna (11-1-0) has reeled off seven straight victories since losing to Northfield, and the Huskies have not allowed more than one goal in any of them. Junior Ava Wolfe, like Northfield’s Malecha, has played every minute in goal and shares the state lead in victories with Malecha at 11. Wolfe’s 1.00 GAA also puts her in the state’s top 10. The Huskies have five players with 10 or more goals, led by junior Olivia Herzog (16 goals, 14 assists).