Providence Academy at St. Paul Academy
6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 17

Entering the final few days of the regular season, the Independent Metro Athletic Conference is truly a three-team race, with contenders running away from the rest of the pack.

That group includes Providence Academy (13-7, 7-2) and St. Paul Academy (16-6, 8-1), which could be playing for the outright title Tuesday night. Mounds Park Academy (18-2, 6-2) is on those teams' heels after splitting with both, but doesn’t control its own destiny.

St. Paul Academy holds the edge for the conference crown after winning at Providence Academy on Sept. 26 in a five-set marathon. The Spartans’ Blythe Rients was a one-woman wrecking crew in that match, racking up 30 kills at a .362 efficiency. That should be expected from the defending IMAC Player of the Year, who is still just a junior.

Providence Academy kept the first match close behind 16 kills from sophomore middle Kate Neill and 32 set assists from senior Lauren Schommer. The Lions were also tough on defense, as Kate Allerheiligen and Neill combined for an amazing 78 digs in the match.