Prior Lake at Shakopee
7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 23

Prior Lake is Class 3A's surprise team after a month of action, rising all the way to No. 3 in the rankings with an impressive 14-2 record to begin the season. The Lakers were upset by Owatonna in their opener before winning 13 consecutive matches until a three-set loss to top-ranked Eden Prairie in the Eagle Invitational semifinals at Apple Valley High School last Saturday. The Lakers are also atop the revamped South Suburban Conference with a 4-0 record. The Lakers have terrific height in the front row with several 6-footers, including the power-hitting Lara Schultz.

Shakopee has a 3-1 record in its first four conference matches and is among three teams hanging one match back of Prior Lake. The Sabers are in their first season in the South Suburban after their previous league, the Missota Conference, disbanded last summer. Coach Matt Busch’s team has played a difficult schedule but is 11-5 with four of the losses coming to teams ranked in the state’s Top 10. Outside hitter Tina Hoppe is in her second year as team captain and third year as a varsity starter.