Lake City entered last fall's Class 2A, Section 1 championship game as the top seed and a favorite to secure its first state tournament appearance.
Second-seeded Kasson-Mantorville stomped on that feel-good story, beating the Tigers in four sets to reach the state tournament for the third consecutive season and the seventh time in 17 seasons.
Most of Lake City's statistical leaders from a year ago have returned and might have that November disappointment in mind when the teams meet Sept. 5.
There's junior outside hitter Olivia Pennington, who has worked hard in the weight room and in Junior Olympics to improve her game, Lake City coach Kirk Thornton said. Senior libero Morgan West returns as a fourth-year starter for the Tigers (0-0, 0-0) and is the school's all-time leader in digs, and junior outside hitter Delaney Issendorf is closing in on the school's all-time kills record.
Kasson-Mantorville, a traditional powerhouse which finished third in last year's state tournament, has reloaded after losing standouts Peyton Suess and Bailey Berge to graduation.
KoMets coach Adam VanOort said he's building a new team with a new identity and that he is starting with a solid foundation in returning setters Maddie Converse, a sophomore, and junior Anna Braun.
Senior middle hitter Emilee Terry and junior outside hitter Mya Suess provide strength at the net for No. 6-2A Kasson-Mantorville (0-0, 0-0).