WIAA Top Ten, 1/3/11

Eau Claire Memorial, Still on Top  

Written by Chris Walby
January 3, 2011 
 

We’ve reached 2011 and it’s just about the half way point for most teams in the WIAA.  The Eau Claire Memorial Old Abes (13-1-0) have been ranked at the top since week one and are red hot, despite dropping their last game. 

The Old Abes rattled off 12 straight wins, which included an impressive 6-3 road win over second ranked Wausau West (7-1-0) on December 23 and last week’s 2-0 win over Minnesota powerhouse, the fourth ranked Rochester Lourdes (11-1-0) during holiday tournament play. 

After knocking off the Lourdes, Eau Claire Memorial lost the following night 2-0 to New Ulm (7-1-2), Minnesota’s South Division leader, during the championship game at the Rochester Holiday Tournament. 

The Old Abes are deep in talent and after 14 games, they are already big game tested.  Led by seniors Alexander Dahl (10 goals, 20 assists for 30 points) and Saxton Soley (1.30 goals against avg. and a .937 save percentage), the Old Abes have beaten three top ranked Wisconsin teams and a fourth ranked Minnesota team. 

Playing with the top ranked target on their back and a vicious schedule ahead of them, the Old Abes will be tough out come playoff time.