Class 1A Matches to Watch This week

<p>Section 1A playoffs are winding down and the best teams are beginning to emerge in moments of high pressure and with a lot on the line. The next few days will certainly frame the picture well regarding contenders for the state tournament next week. Here a few matches to keep your eyes on for Tuesday and Thursday.</p> <p><strong>Section 1A</strong><br /> <em>#W1 Medford vs. #W3 Bethlehem Academy (Semifinals | Thursday)</em><br /> <strong>Emma Kniefel (OH | 2020)</strong> and the Tigers carry forward a 25-5 record that will be pitted against a tradition-rich Bethlehem Academy squad featuring <strong>Olivia Nass (Lib | 2019)</strong> and <strong>Haley Lang (OH | 2020)</strong> from a team that advanced to the state semifinals a year ago and ended the season in third place. The Cardinals have had their share of ups and downs this season but may find some cohesion as the playoff picture intensifies. Medford's success throughout the season has generated momentum that may prove to carry the Tigers on a deep run in 2018. Look for Medford to prevail on Thursday evening.</p> <p><strong>Section 2A</strong><br /> <em>#N2 Mayer Lutheran vs. #N6 Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop (Quarterfinals | Tuesday)</em><br /> The #3 ranked Crusaders have a very dynamic athlete and leader in <strong>Olivia Tjernagel (MH | 2020)</strong> and will continue to rely on her as they work towards a return trip to the state tournament to defend their 2017 title. The challenge being that the postseason experience depth for Mayer Lutheran is limited. Production is needed from the likes of <strong>Claudia Stahlke (MH | 2020)</strong> and the freshmen duo of <strong>Lilly Wacholz (OH | 2022)</strong> and <strong>Emma Lade (S | 2022)</strong> to alleviate some of the pressure from their veteran. A 19-9 record affirms their ability to win with an upstart GFW team waiting in the foreground as their next opponent. The Thunderbirds (14-15) are coming off of an upset win and have momentum and confidence to do it again. Their success has been on the backs of a handful of athletes including <strong>Miah Busse (OH | 2019)</strong>, <strong>Shelby Ramirez (MB | 2020)</strong>, and <strong>Hannah Panitzke (OH | 2020)</strong>. This will be a great match to catch but GFW's postseason run will end on Tuesday.</p> <p><strong>Section 4A</strong><br /> <em>#4 Maranatha vs. #5 Heritage Christian (Quarterfinals | Tuesday)</em><br /> Earning a bye directly to the quarterfinals in Section 4A, the Maranatha Mustangs have patiently been waiting their turn to take the floor. As the #4 seed and sporting a 17-8 record they are ready to compete and continue to showcase the balanced play from the senior trio of <strong>Julia Lavelle (OH | 2019)</strong>, <strong>Kennedy Burquest (DS | 2019)</strong>, and <strong>Abigail Harker (S | 2019)</strong>. Lavelle can score from a variety of locations and should get a lot of swings throughout the match. The Eagles of Heritage Christian are the #5 seed and opened up their postseason journey with a 3-0 win in the first round. <strong>Jordyn Allen (S/RS | 2020)</strong> is productive in many ways including distributing the ball. She will look to get primary pin attacker <strong>Ainsley Halvorson (OH | 2021)</strong> involved frequently as <strong>Kelsie Knaggs (MH | 2020)</strong> will be a key element from the middle. An upset minded Heritage Christian will take this match in a tight one winning in five.</p>