Maple Lake at Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa
7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 9
The Central Minnesota Conference title likely comes down to this late-season match between a pair of conference unbeatens in No. 6-2A Maple Lake and No. 8-1A Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa.
Last year’s victory for Maple Lake ended the Jagaurs' 47-match conference winning streak that stretched back to midway through the 2006 season — and gave the Irish their first Central Minnesota title since tying the Jaguars atop the standings in 2006.
Maple Lake has a veteran team with senior setter Jen Pomije and senior middle Emily Webb, but freshman outside hitter Linsey Rachel is the Irish’s big offensive threat.
Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa has a nice mix of upper and underclassmen, including senior outside hitter Kinlee Swanson, junior libero Karlee Kern and sophomore setter/hitter Hailey Braegelman.