This game should have been a showcase of two of the state's best players — Eagan's Kennedi Orr and Stillwater's Maddie Whittington.
Should have been. During this matchup, Orr, a junior setter and Nebraska commit, will likely be playing on a bigger stage as a member of the U.S. Girls National Training Team at the FIVB U18 World Championships in Egypt.
At least No. 1-3A Eagan (0-0, 0-0) can turn to a tall and talented pool of young players: sophomores Kendal Kemp (6-5 middle hitter), Sienna Ifill (6-1 outside hitter) and Emma Berran (6-0 outside hitter) join the Wildcats' seemingly unending supply of skilled players that include Orr, junior middle hitter Abby Moe and senior outside hitter Christine Jurgens.
Eagan has played in the Class 3A state championship each of the past six seasons. Its last title came in 2016.
Stillwater pushed Eagan in two matches last season, but the No. 6-3A Ponies (0-1, 0-0) have a lot of holes to fill after graduating seven players. Whittington, however, provides a solid anchor for her new teammates.