New Life Academy at Southwest Christian
7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 1

New Life Academy has been rolling since its Sept. 1 loss in five sets to No. 3-2A St. Croix Lutheran. The No. 7-2A Eagles (9-3, 4-0) have won eight straight, including a victory over No. 11-3A North St. Paul in the championship game of the North St. Paul Tournament. Senior outside hitter Abby Gorter (145 kills), senior middle hitter Abby Thor (141 kills) and senior setter Kara Stenerson (404 assists) give New Life Academy multiple weapons in attack mode. 

Southwest Christian (4-5, 4-0) is one of just three undefeated teams in the Minnesota Christian Conference, tied with No. 6-1A Heritage Christian atop the standings and New Life Academy. The Stars may have a losing overall record, but they’ve also played what may be the toughest schedule in the state. All of Southwest Christian's losses have come to ranked opponents (No. 6-2A Jordan, No. 2-3A Prior Lake, No. 12-3A Shakopee, No. 1-1A Bethlehem Academy and No. 1-2A Belle Plaine).