This East Metro showdown should also be an entertaining game as the upstart Spartans take on traditional power South St. Paul. The Spartans edged Bloomington Jefferson 2-1 on Saturday.

Simley is led at forward by a trio of juniors in Abby Jeffers (1-7-8), Mackaylan McGown (6-4-10), Ella Tuccitto (3-5-8), sophomore Kelsi Ries (3-5-8), and 8th-grader Ella Sanders (4-2-6). Simley's 23.8% power play can catch opponents by surprise.

On defense, seniors Val DuVal (2-4-6), Mackenzi McGown (0-2-2), and junior Skyler Arneson (2-2-4) eliminate opposing scoring chances and help keep the Spartans on the attack.

Simley head coach Tom Patnode will likely give senior goaltender Makenzie Gibson (2.16 goals-against-average) the start, but he may provide freshman Sydney Ries (2-0) a chance against the Packers as well.  

The Packers are coming off a 4-0 win over Metro East foe Mahtomedi. South St. Paul is led up front by junior Sarah Wincentsen (3-4-7), freshman Bailey Vesper (2-3-5), senior Ashley Jerikovsky (3-1-4), and junior Aliyah Danielson (3-1-4).

On defense, senior and Minnesota State-commit Lilie Ramirez (1-11-12) and freshman Lily Pachl (1-4-5) log a lot of minutes for the Packers and do what they can to dictate the pace of play. Head Coach David Palmquist will give junior goaltender Delaney Norman (.916 save percentage) the start against the Spartans.