This early season matchup between rivals Mayer Lutheran and Watertown-Mayer holds more intrigue than it has in a few years, with both teams entering this season fresh off state tournament appearances.
The reigning Class 1A champion Crusaders are ranked No. 3 in the state coaches' preseason poll and have won the last nine against the Royals.
After losing nine players from their back-to-back championship squads, including three who earned all-state selections a year ago, Mayer Lutheran (0-1) will have to reload if it wants a third straight title.
A pair of 6-1 juniors in Claudia Stahlke and Olivia Tjernagel could lead the way for the Crusaders up front. Stahlke had 107 kills and 49 blocks last year, while Tjernagel had 219 kills and 106 blocks.
Watertown-Mayer enters the season ranked eighth in Class 2A after a year in which it won a section title and made its first state tournament appearance since 2000. The Royals return eight letterwinners from last year’s 22-9 squad.
After dropping four of its first five matches to start last season -- including a sweep at the hands of Mayer Lutheran -- Watertown-Mayer went 21-5.
The Royals (3-1) hope to avoid a similar start this year behind the play of senior outside hitter Janessa Berrios, who totaled 335 kills and 226 digs last year. Senior setter Nikki McDonald (780 sets a year ago) returns to run the offense.
As quality opponents this early in the season, this matchup represents a resume-booster for the winner and means the loser won’t have to feel too distraught. It’s been a while since both teams could claim such high expectations in the same season, and this rivalry clash between ranked squads is an ideal matchup to be our Top Game of the Week.