Each year Bethlehem Academy plays one of the toughest schedules in the state, regardless of class. This year is no exception with No. 3-2A Stewartville coming to town to visit a program that's in transition.
Longtime coach Franz Boelter and the program parted ways after last season, and assistant Tim Schmitz has taken charge of the No. 10-1A Cardinals. Bethlehem Academy has won seven state titles since 2003, but this season presents more uncertainty than past years. After being swept 3-0 by No. 1-3A Lakeville North on Aug. 28 and No. 4-2A Marshall on Aug. 30 to open the season, the Cardinals (0-2) will face their third straight ranked team in Stewartville.
The Cardinals are led by junior hitter Delaney Donahue and senior libero Olivia Nass, both of whom achieved all-conference status a year ago.
Stewartville is a longtime powerhouse in Class 2A, Section 1, and the Tigers are off to a 3-0 start, which includes 3-0 sweeps over Rochester John Marshall on Aug. 23 and Rochester Mayo on Aug. 30. The Tigers return all-state middle hitter Erin Lamb, as well as outside hitter Kaitlyn Prondzinski.