This is an intriguing southern Minnesota matchup as Section 3A New Ulm faces Section 1A Dodge County.  

New Ulm is coming off a 7-1 victory over Windom. The Eagles are led at forward by juniors Michelle Smith (14 goals, 5 assists, 19 points) and Malorie Anderson (6-6-12), as well as seniors Brooke Arneson (7-3-10) and Jada Rahe (4-4-8. This group has carried much of the offense front, but New Ulm has had its challenges scoring goals this season. 

On defense, junior Afton Hulke (6-11-17) and senior Evelyn Sellner (5-7-12) like to get involved offensively without abandoning their defensive responsibilities. The Eagles' penalty kill has been stifling opponents' power plays at a 95.9% rate this season, but they will be well served by avoiding the penalty box against the Wildcats.

Sophomore Ava Brennan (.935 save percentage, 4 shutouts) has been New Ulm's go-to goaltending option throughout most of the season.  

Dodge County is coming off a 2-0 victory over Eastview. The youthful Wildcats are led up front by eighth-grader Maysie Koch (15-23-38), as well as sophomores Nora Carstensen (19-14-33) and Mollie Koch (6-15-21). The trio gives Dodge County a rather potent top line. Dodge County is dangerous on the power play, lighting the lamp at a 34.7% rate.  

On defense, senior captains Abby Simons (7-20-27) and Greta Petree (1-4-5) provide poise and experience to a young team. Simons logs a ton of minutes for Dodge County, and she really sets the tone at both ends of the ice.  

Sophomore Ida Huber (1.71 goals against average, 4 shutouts) has started in every game this season for Dodge County.