Graduations, injuries and the transfer rule combined to turn Eden Prairie's 2018 season into a monumental struggle. This year, the Eagles are harvesting the benefit of experience, perseverance and a growing confidence.
After advancing to the Class 3A, Section 2 championship match in 2017, Eden Prairie lost Makenna Berger to injury, relegated transfer defensive specialist Mallorey Madson to the JV and won just seven matches last fall.
This fall, with senior hitter Emma O'Connell comfortable in Berger's former position, Izzy Thorne fully recovered from a 2017 ACL tear, Livia Hagberg and 6-3 sophomore Kendall Minta forming a strong presence in the middle and Madson in the lineup, the Eagles (13-4, 3-0) could have an opportunity to seize control of the Lake Conference with a victory at No. 10-3A Minnetonka after facing St. Michael-Albertville on Tuesday.
Eagles coach Chad Becker said a Sept. 3 victory at Lakeville South, which was ranked No. 3 in the Class 3A poll at the time, gave his squad an important boost in confidence. South led 2-1 before the Eagles rallied to win in five sets.
Minnetonka, which has won 13 of its past 14 matches entering the week, also has a key week in its schedule. The Skippers (15-3, 3-0) play No. 3-3A Wayzata on Tuesday.
Sophomore middle hitter Abby Stanwood (106 kills, 79 digs) and senior outside hitter Skyler Germann (104 kills, 106 digs) lead the Skippers' attack. Junior setter Olivia Koeppen has 183 set assists and junior middle hitter Kali Engeman has 68 kills.