With just three seniors Lakeville South coach Natalie Darwitz knew her girls' hockey squad was going to be young. But she expected to remain competitive due to plenty of depth.
The Cougars have proved her right through the first two weeks of the season.
They have won four of their first five games and posted back-to-back 3-0 shutouts over Apple Valley and Eagan. They have only yielded eight goals.
"Down the stretch last year our defensive zone play was weak," Darwitz said. The Cougars' only loss was to Class 2A, No. 6 Eden Prairie 4-1 in the season opener. "The back-to-back shutouts [one each by sophomore Chloe Crosby and junior Claire Wallenta] was good to see. If we're going to do well, our defense is going to be the most important thing."
They have only scored 17 goals in their five games, but eight players have already tallied at least one goal. Senior forward Annabeth Smith leads the way with five goals.
"We're different than most of the top teams because we don't have a go-to-person," Darwitz said. "We have good depth and count on all of the players we suit up each night."
National matchup set
Apple Valley's boys' basketball team will take to the national stage on Dec. 12, when it plays host to Whitney Young (Ill.) in a matchup that will be broadcast by ESPN2 starting at 6 p.m.
The game will feature two Duke recruits — point guard Tyus Jones of Apple Valley and center Jahlil Okafor of Whitney Young. They committed to play for the Blue Devils, making their announcements on the same day in November.
