Eden Prairie at Waconia
7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 28

It wouldn’t be the opening week of the volleyball season without the traditional Eden Prairie vs. Waconia clash.

The two programs have met in the opening week in at least 10 straight years, with the Eagles holding a 6-3 edge, including the last two in a row. It’s not only helped propel both teams into a new year, it’s also been a great jumping point for a state tournament bid. In three of the last four years, the winner of the match has ended up in the state tournament.

Oddly, the only time in that span the losing team went to state was 2011, when EP lost to Waconia to start the year but finished by winning its only state title. Look for both teams to start strong with experienced setters: Waconia’s Anna Schmitt and the Eagles’ Elizabeth Mohr.