The matchup between Mahtomedi (7-2) and Hill-Murray (6-1-1) features two of the top five teams in Class 2A and the top two teams in the both the Metro East Conference and Class 2A, Section 4.
Mahtomedi suffered two straight losses to Class 3A opponents early in the 2022 season, but the Zephyrs have been rolling as of late. The No. 2 team in Class 2A has a five-game winning streak in which they have outscored opponents 19-2 during the stretch. The Zephyrs’ offense has been difficult to contain throughout the season, as they have scored multiple goals in six games this season. The last time Mahtomedi won the Metro East Conference title outright was in 2020, and a win against Hill-Murray would go a long way in securing the championship in 2022.
Hill-Murray has played well on both sides of the field this season. The Pioneers have recorded five shutouts while also scoring multiple goals in six of their games. Hill-Murray can also attack opposing defenses in a variety of ways behind Ariadna Vargas (six goals, two assists), Emily Bixby (six goals, two assists) and Brooke Nast (five goals, three assists). Natalie Humbert anchors the defense, totaling 47 saves at net this season. The Pioneers last won the conference title outright was in 2018.
Mahtomedi and Hill-Murray tied for the conference championship in 2021, but the Zephyrs came away with the all-important section title while the Pioneers fell in the semifinal round to Totino-Grace in penalty kicks. If the standings hold, the teams could earn the top two spots in the section and potentially face off in the championship game.