Eagan at Prior Lake
7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 11

The Wildcats have opened the defense of their title with one loss in seven matches, a defeat at the hands of No. 1-1A Faribault Bethlehem Academy in the Shakopee Invitational last weekend. Otherwise, Eagan has been nearly flawless. Coach Kathy Gillen-Melville is looking to join exclusive company as she seeks her sixth state title this fall. She coached the Wildcats to championships in 1997, 1998, 2001 and 2003 before stepping away from coaching for a few years. Eagan didn’t return to state again until she came back to lead last year’s title run. Prior Lake pulled the first big upset of the season with a 3-2 win over Chaska in the season’s first week. The Lakers didn’t rest on their laurels, either, sweeping Mankato West in their next match. Now comes a big week for the Lakers, who are anchored by senior libero Brittany Luethmers and a potent — and tall — group of hitters such as Lara Schultz and Ella Francis.