Royalton finds itself in new surroundings following two moves made after the end of last season.
The Royals are in their first year in Class 2A, jumping from Class 1A, where they had some postseason success yet never reached a state tournament. They also left the Prairie Conference, where they won the league title a year ago, for the Central Minnesota Conference and are amid a battle for another championship. Royalton can force a tie with Maple Lake atop the league standings with a victory over the Irish in the regular-season finale on Tuesday.
Royalton (20-3-2, 5-1) has a strong senior presence. Libero Gabbie Enneking recently recorded her 1,000th career dig, setter Cierra Gottwalt is in her fourth year as a starter, and Jenna Anderson, Allyson Waletski and Emily Malikowski provide a strong attack.
Maple Lake, meanwhile, has won 41 of 43 Central Minnesota games over the past seven seasons. Coach Marty Kiebel is eager to see first-hand what kind of challenge newcomer Royalton will be to his program.
But Kiebel, who coached the Irish to Class 2A state titles in 2016 and 2017, said he's confident his team — with its deep lineup and the experience of playing a difficult regular-season schedule — can handle the test. The Irish (17-4, 5-0) also have momentum, having won seven consecutive matches.
Seniors Megan Carlson, Katie Goelz and Olivia Paumen lead the Irish. A strong group of sophomores includes Emma Jude, Taylor Hess, Ella Kiebel, Dani Geyen and Maggie Larson provides depth. Goelz leads the team in kills and Paumen in digs.