After finishing last season with a 22-7 record and starting this one 7-1, Spring Grove may face a roadblock in a rematch against Mabel-Canton (9-0), one of Class 1A, Section 1’s top programs.
The Cougars won the first meeting 2-0 this season at the Mabel-Canton Invitational. It marked the Lions' fifth consecutive loss to the Cougars, who are a perennial Southeast Conference power.
However, Mabel-Canton could be tested by a Spring Grove group that looks to even the score and has plenty to build on.
The Lions return six letterwinners from last year and feature a versatile hitter in Mariah Edgington. Kailee Olerud serves as an experienced setter.
The Cougars will look to offset Spring Grove's experience with front-line athleticism in Maddy Michels and Payton Danielson. Sophomore setter Kenidi McCabe is in her fourth year as a starter and was co-MVP of the Southeast Conference last season.