Champlin Park graduated five seniors, including Minnesota's 2018 Miss Volleyball Izzy Ashburn, but that doesn't mean the defending Class 3A state champions are ready to concede their title.
The No. 4-3A Rebels (0-1, 0-0) battled No. 3-3A Wayzata for five sets in a season-opening loss at the Breakdown Sports Side Out Classic at Edina on Aug. 24.
With senior hitters Sami Hilley, Jordan Stalpes, Hannah Prasky and Maddie Koop, Champlin Park has plenty of power left after the graduation losses.
Champlin Park visits Moorhead on Tuesday in a rematch of a state tournament quarterfinal from last season, as the two teams continue to reshape their lineups. Champlin Park defeated Moorhead twice last year, both times in three sets.
The Spuds (1-1), who played in their fourth consecutive Class 3A state tournament last year, opened their season with a loss to defending Class 2A state champion North Branch and a 3-2 victory over Chanhassen.
Moorhead's transformation starts at libero, where Carleigh Vedder steps into a starting role. Spuds coach Char Lien said outside hitter Ella Swedberg will help ease Vedder's load.
Seniors Jalen Ennen (248 kills, 40 blocks and 323 digs a season ago), Megan Haugo (61 kills and 45 blocks) and Claire Howell (40 kills, 63 blocks, 306 digs and 898 assists), and junior Sam Zimmerman (140 kills and 91 blocks) lead that attack.