Two of the most dominant teams in Class 3A over the last few years face off — for the second time this season — in what could be a teaser of a potential state tournament matchup.
Champlin Park, ranked No. 1 in the Class 3A state coaches' poll from Sept. 9, takes on the team it knocked to No. 2, Lakeville North. The Rebels (11-0, 2-0) swept the Panthers (8-2, 1-1) in the Southwest Minnesota Challenge on Sept. 8.
The Panthers knocked the Rebels out of the state tourney last season en route to their third Class 3A title this decade, while the Rebels played in the 2016 championship game. The teams are a combined 132-22 since 2016, giving this matchup the pedigree to be our Top Game of the Week.
The tilt also features two of the state’s top seniors, with Champlin Park setter Izzy Ashburn (373 assists, 71 digs), who’s headed to Wisconsin, taking on Lakeville North's star outside hitter Elizabeth Juhnke (141 kills, 74 digs), a South Dakota commit.
The two aren’t alone in putting up big numbers. The Rebels have four dangerous attacking options, led by Emma Schmidt (110 kills), Lauren Clark (102 kills), Sami Hilley (85 kills) and Jordan Stalpes (68 kills). Kaitlyn Weimerskirch leads the team with 122 digs.
The Panthers’ Macy Winter has 105 kills and 51 digs. Tori Thompson has 60 kills and 32 blocks, while Amelia Wherland has 15 service aces to go with her 271 assists.