The cross-town rivalry always provides plenty of intensity, and this is the first meeting of the year for these two clubs. So far, Lakeville North has struggled in South Suburban Conference play, as evidenced by Saturday's 6-2 loss to Rosemount.

Still, the Panthers (3-3)  hope to turn it around against the first-place Cougars. Lakeville North is led at forward by sophomore Gracie Hanson (5-5-10), as well as seniors Gianna Gasparini (3-4-7) and Maddie Swierczek (3-2-5), give the Panthers punch up front. On defense, sophomore Ashley Wagenbach (5-3-8) and senior and Dartmouth commit Meredith Jensen (3-4-7) can chip in at both ends of the ice. Panthers' head coach Buck Kochevar has leaned more on junior Tulie Boughan (.853 save percentage) than 7th grader Kaia Weiland (.860 save percentage) this season.  

Lakeville South's (6-1)  lone loss to Class A Northfield was the first game of the season, but since then, the Cougars have been rolling as they steamrolled Apple Valley 7-2 on Saturday.

Up front, the senior trio of Wisconsin commit Claire Enright (13-7-20), Minnesota State commit Taylor Otremba (7-11-18), and Ryann Wright (4-11-15) carry the Cougars' offense. On defense, Lilly Hunst (0-6-6) helps support the attack. Head Coach Tim Morris has used Claire Bronson (1.75 goals-against-average) more than Payton Lang (.836 save percentage) so far this season.