Two of the top outstate teams over the past few years are separated by about 30 miles on Minnesota Highway 60, and this year's matchup should be an early measuring stick for Waterville-Elysian-Morristown and Kenyon-Wanamingo, a pair of veteran teams with high aspirations for this year.
The Buccaneers and Knights have been consistently excellent teams in Section 2, though Waterville-Elysian-Morristown is in Class 1A and Kenyon-Wanamingo is in Class 2A. The Knights won last year’s matchup 3-0.
Waterville-Elysian-Morristown tops the preseason state coaches' poll in Class 1A, returning everyone from last year’s squad that reached a third straight section final. Three players tallied at least 240 kills in that stretch: seniors MaeLea Harmon (240) and Alexis Morsching (289), and sophomore Toryn Richards (272).
Kenyon-Wanamingo has won two straight section titles and is led by juniors who have contributed to the Knights' recent success.
Middle blocker Julianna Boyum had 171 kills and 122 blocks last year, and outside hitter Ally Peterson notched 400 kills. Setter Madi Luebke had 378 assists for the No. 5-2A Knights (1-0) in a season ago.