Things are tight at the top of the Metro East Conference standings as the end of the regular season approaches.
Entering the week, Hill-Murray clings to the top spot by virtue of having played more league games. Mahtomedi is lurking in second place and waiting for any slip by the Pioneers, meaning Friday's matchup in our Top Game of the Week could decide the conference champion.
The Pioneers (5-2, 5-1) are slightly off last season's one-loss pace, and after the graduation of Caroline Cayot and her 58 goals, they should be pleased with the offensive production — Hill-Murray is outscoring opponents 122-37.
Last season's second- and third-leading scorers, Hannah Ondrusik and Jacey Germundson, have returned for their respective senior and sophomore seasons and have taken on a heavier piece of the offensive burden. Ondrusik had 13 goals while Germundson tallied 14 through the first five games this season.
The Pioneers' lone league loss this season came against Mahtomedi in a 15-11 decision on May 2. Ondrusik tallied two goals and a pair of assists in the loss, while Germundson added two goals and one assist.
The Zephyrs have retained all three of their top scorers from last season in Amanda Russel, Dana Searles and Abby Searles, and their continuity has paid dividends. Mahtomedi is perfect on the season after going 5-6 a year ago, and with two of the top three offensive players graduating at the end of the year, the Zephyrs (6-0, 4-0) may see this season as their best chance in recent years to win the conference title and advance out of Section 4 and to the state tournament.
Against Hill-Murray on May 2, Russel scored a game-high six goals, while Abby Searles notched four goals and four assists to pace a Zephyrs' attack that has outscored opponents 86-37 this season.