Stillwater has been a powerhouse in the east metro for nearly the past decade, making eight consecutive trips to the state tournament. The Ponies have been nearly as dominant in the Suburban East Conference, where they are leading the pack again this year.
Stillwater (9-2, 7-0) needs a victory to return to the top of the conference standings a season after Cretin-Derham Hall snatched the top spot, and Tuesday's contest at league rival Park of Cottage Grove provides the Ponies with the opportunity to do just that.
Momentum is with Stillwater, which enters the week with eight consecutive victories. The Ponies dropped two of their first three games, falling to No. 4 Breck 11-9 on April 16 and to No. 3 Chanhassen 17-5 two days later, but bounced back behind a defense that has allowed eight or fewer goals in each of those victories.
Goalie Lainey Charlsen has played a key role in the run, saving more than half the shots she's seen and amassing a 5.64 goals-against average.
Park is continuing a climb that started last year. The Wolfpack (9-1, 6-1) made a jump to third place in the conference standings last season, and they'll at least match that finish again this year.
Cayla Quade has been dominant for Park's offense this year, scoring 45 goals.