Blooming Prairie at Bethlehem Academy
7:15 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 25

Blooming Prairie is one of several top Class 1A teams that has had the misfortune of running up against juggernaut Faribault Bethlehem Academy in the past decade. The Awesome Blossoms have a quality program but haven’t sniffed the state tournament since the Cardinals, No. 1-1A, began their aggressive run in 2003, and the pair not only square off in Section 1A play but also during the regular season as members of the Gopher Conference.

The teams meet in league play on Thursday in Faribault and the the Awesome Blossoms have a good chance to make an impact despite entering the match losing five of their last six matches at last weekend’s Class A Showcase.

Bethlehem Academy finally tasted defeat last weekend in the tough Eagle Invitational at Apple Valley, losing three-set matches to Prior Lake and Lakeville South. The Lakers and the Cougars are ranked among Class 3A's Top 10. The Cardinals have successfully blended a deep returning lineup with two top transfers from nearby Medford in juniors Hannah Robb and Madison Strodtman.