RIVER FALLS — With Eau Claire Memorial and Hudson facing off on May 26, River Falls had a chance to make a final week surge to share the conference title.

The week started May 26 against Rice Lake. River Falls scored five goals in the first half and could not be stopped on their way to a 5-1 win. Hudson also beat Eau Claire Memorial, so River Falls just needed a win over Eau Claire North two days later to share the crown with the Raiders.

“Our movement was really great. We were switching it through the back, switching it through the midfield. We were really making the other team work to defend,” senior goalkeeper Addie Johnson said after the win over Rice Lake. “That movement helped us create a lot of goal-scoring opportunities.”

River Falls dictated the pace and controlled the ball against the Huskies, yet the match was still scoreless at the half, and then with 10 minutes remaining and again with five. Eau Claire North threw in the ball with about 2:30 remaining, which Wildcat Clara Longsdorf broke up and dished to Brynn Burandt. Burandt quickly lofted a pass through the air that landed right in the lap of Mickey Bell. Then, Bell kicked a brilliant through ball ahead, which was chased down by Elliott Bell. With a pair of defenders swarming her, Bell passed the ball about a single yard to cutting senior Addison Lemke who lofted the ball over the goalkeeper to finally break the tie. River Falls won 1-0, becoming co-Big Rivers Conference champions.

Heading into the postseason as the Division 2 No. 2 seed, River Falls gained a surge of energy at the right time.

“We’re definitely nervous, but this helps boost our mood. We’re here for each other. Obviously, some games aren’t going to go the way we really hope they would, but, honestly, we’re just trying to keep our momentum,” Johnson said.

For the senior class, they have experienced a few trips to State, but winning conference speaks to the consistency a team must have for the entire season.

“The senior class this year is really uplifting. We’re positive, we’re encouraging all of our teammates, we’re really close with one another, we’re really creating a family,” Johnson said. “I just hope we leave a lasting memory on the girls.”

Head Coach Adam Koger said the seniors set the standard of uplifting the team, which can be felt on the field. When he pulled the seniors off the field at the end of the 5-1 win, the senior class cheered on their teammates even louder than before. He hopes that togetherness can be an x-factor in the postseason.

“It’s probably going to be that senior pull us together [factor],” Koger said. “We have the skill to play with all of the teams that we will see in the playoffs. It’s just going to be a matter of can we fight through and find that magical moment.”

Between standout teams like Hudson and Eau Claire Memorial in conference, as well as some of the state’s best non-conference opponents, the Wildcats are ready for whatever is thrown at them.

“It helps because we know what else is out there,” Koger said. “All of those things just remind you what practice needs to be every day, so you are prepared for those games.”