North St. Paul at Hill-Murray
7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 25

A senior-laden North St. Paul squad is off to a fast start this season. The Polars picked up a Class 3A first-place vote in the latest coaches poll but could rise no higher than No. 6. The vote was one of three awarded to a team other than unbeaten Eden Prairie (preseason No. 1 Chaska had the other two). Coach Steve Anderson has a veteran team led by setter Holly Ellwanger, libero Clara Krenz, outside hitter Nevena Vukomanovich and middle Abby Rieser.

Hill-Murray knows about surprising seasons. The Pioneers shocked most observers by advancing to the state Class 2A championship match last season and have carried that momentum over into this fall. North St. Paul is atop the new Metro East Conference with a 4-0 record but Hill-Murray is one of three teams at 3-1 and hot on the Polars’ heels. Junior setter Hannah Angeli and junior outside hitter Ellie Schwartz are key to the Pioneers’ hopes.