The Dodge County Wildcats delivered a resounding performance on Saturday, March 7, 2024, defeating the Austin Packers 15-0 in the Section 1, Class 1A semifinals. This victory secures the Wildcats’ place in the championship game, setting the stage for a showdown against the Albert Lea Tigers.
Strong Performances Propel Wildcats Forward
Seventh-grader Willow Harens shone brightly during the match, achieving her first varsity hat trick and contributing an assist for a total of four points. Harens now boasts nine goals and 14 points this season. Junior Grace Roethler also made significant strides, doubling her season total with a goal and two assists, bringing her tally to six points. Veteran defender Sophia Buesking showcased her offensive skills, scoring two goals and adding an assist to reach 15 points for the season.
The Wildcats’ starting goalie, Faith Humphrey, has emerged as a vital player for the team this season. Stepping into the role after the departure of five-year starter Ida Huber, Humphrey has consistently proven her worth. In the semifinal match, she stopped three shots before being relieved by Rylee Tiefenbach, who made six saves in the final period.
Reflecting on Humphrey’s growth, senior defender and co-captain Kylie Meyer noted, “She’s such a positive player, and she definitely feels comfortable talking more now than she did at the beginning of the season. She really lifts up the whole team.”
A Rivalry Renewed
With this victory, Dodge County, now at 19-6-1 for the season, prepares for its third consecutive meeting with Albert Lea in the championship game. The matchup is set for Thursday at 17:00 at the Four Seasons Centre in Owatonna. This rivalry has intensified over the years, especially after Albert Lea’s narrow 3-2 overtime win over Dodge County in 2023, despite Dodge dominating the shots on goal.
“We just have to keep her from thinking too much about it because it’s just another game,” Meyer emphasized regarding Humphrey’s mindset heading into the final. “We have to show up right away, come out way faster as a team than we did against Austin.”
Humphrey has played nearly the entire season, logging a 19-6-1 record with a 1.48 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage. Her shutout against Austin marked her ninth this season, showcasing her ability to handle pressure in critical moments.
“She’s understanding the need for consistency,” said Jeremy Gunderson, the Wildcats’ head coach. “She understands what it takes to be a varsity goalie, from the practice aspect to the mental side and the grind.”
The team’s performance against Austin highlighted their depth, with 14 players contributing to the offense. Junior Maysie Koch also had a standout night, scoring two goals and assisting on two others, while several teammates, including Zoe Heimer and Alexa Van Straaten, each had three points.
Despite the loss, the Austin Packers, finishing their season with a record of 10-15-2, show promise for the future. With no seniors on the team and several key players still developing, including leading scorer Sawyer Loucks, an eighth-grader, Austin’s prospects look bright.
“It was good to see all our kids get playing time,” Gunderson remarked. “Austin has a really good young team that could probably make some noise soon. Their goaltender did a great job, making a lot of great saves while she was getting peppered.”
As Dodge County gears up for the championship game, the focus remains on maintaining the momentum built throughout the season and seizing the opportunity to return to the state tournament.
