The top spot in the Big 9 Conference standings is up for grabs Tuesday when Owatonna visits Austin.
After losing 1-0 to Rochester Mayo on Sept. 20, the Huskies have been roped back in the conference title race — and are locked with Austin in the standings at 18 points each.
Owatonna (8-2-1, 6-1) has shown the an ability to score in bunches, turning in back-to-back six-goal performances in victories over Northfield (6-2 on Sept. 15) and Red Wing (6-1 on Sept. 18). But with the scoring done mostly by committee (Zach Williams leads the team with just three goals), Owatonna will need a complete team effort to break through Austin's defense.
The backend for the No. 8-1A Packers (8-2, 6-1) is marshaled by sophomore goalkeeper Casey Berg and his 0.64 goals-against average. He has kept seven clean score sheets on the season and has not allowed a goal since a Sept. 8 loss to Rochester Lourdes. Combine his play with a group of defenders who are getting stronger as the season goes on, and Austin is looking formidable.