Belle Plaine at Chaska
7 p.m., Monday, Oct. 13

Two of the three preseason No. 1 teams in the coaches’ poll get together for a nonconference, non-section match in the final week, although both fell from that top spot as the season progressed. 

Belle Plaine, No. 7-2A, began the year at the peak of Class 2A but had to adjust to the loss of top hitter Mariena Hayden for the first six weeks due to a back injury. Hayden was cleared to play on Oct. 6 and the Tigers responded with sweeps over New Prague and Norwood-Young America. 

Chaska, No. 3-3A, also began the season in the No. 1 spot in Class 3A, but an early loss to Prior Lake knocked the Hawks from that perch. Chaska has lost only twice since (tournament losses to Hopkins and Prior Lake on Sept. 20) and dropped a total of eight sets all season (including their losses), but have managed to climb no higher than third in the poll. 

Chaska may be the most complete team in the state, with elite-level players such as Erin Schindler, Sarah Kelly and Makayla Wenzel leading the way.