Our first preview pits two clubs from the Big South Conference and Class A, Section 3 in what should be a spirited matchup.

Luverne was bounced by Proctor/Hermantown in the Class A State Tournament quarterfinals last year,  and the Cardinals bring back plenty of offensive firepower. Returning is their top scorer from a season ago in junior Kamryn Van Batavia (47 goals, 40 assists, 87 points last year), senior Reghan Bork (28-41-69), along with freshman Peyton Behr (17-21-38).

On the blueline, junior defender Mallory Nelson (5-10-15) helps shut down the counterattack. In the crease, Luverne will look to senior goaltender Cheyenne Schutz (9-3, 1.63 goals-against-average, .931 save percentage, six shutouts) to pick up where she left off last year.  

Meanwhile, the Trojans hope to work their way up to the upper tier of the Big South Conference. The trojans bring back leading scorer in senior Kessy Aljets (14-9-23), as well as fellow seniors Kory Nickel (5-7-12) and Riley Nickel (5-7-12).

In the crease, senior goaltender Chantal Peralta will be the go-to option between the pipes for Trojans’ head coach Chad Nickel’s squad. Peralta played 51 minutes across two games last season and takes over for graduated starter Alexis Lyons.