Totino-Grace at Spring Lake Park
7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 4

The Northwest Suburban Conference got even tougher with the inclusion of Totino-Grace and Spring Lake Park, two former North Suburban Conference foes.

Totino-Grace defeated Spring Lake Park last October to win the final North Suburban title before the conference disbanded. Both programs return last year’s conference co-MVPs: the Eagles' outside hitter Hope Schiller and the Panthers' setter Bailey Israelson.

Schiller has committed to seven-time defending Division II national champion Concordia-St. Paul. Before she becomes a Bear, however, Schiller will anchor the Eagles’ starting lineup along with junior libero Madison Kroehler, who recorded 678 digs last fall. Israelson has a veteran lineup around her as well, including senior libero Emily Borene and senior right-side hitter Arianah Frauly.