The game started out in Forest Lake's favor last Thursday as the Rangers won the first set, 25-17, of a Suburban East matchup with Irondale.
But it turned quickly as Irondale rallied to win the next three sets and put the No. 10-4A Rangers in a bit of a pickle.
The loss might have cost Forest Lake (7-4, 1-1) its spot in the top 10, but more importantly it left the Rangers' place in the conference race in limbo with rival Stillwater (8-3, 1-1) on this week's docket.
With No. 4-4A East Ridge (10-5, 2-0) seemingly in command in the conference, the race might now be for second place with Forest Lake, Stillwater and Irondale.
Wednesday's game at Forest Lake features two respected volleyball programs with state tournament pedigrees (both last appeared in the 2017 and 2018 tournaments).
Stillwater, competing in Class 4A, Section 4, is led by seniors Tori Liljegren and Adison Benpard.
Senior hitters Bethany Weiss and Kaysie Bakke and juniors Maddie Muellner and setter Katie Brandl lead the Rangers, who compete in Section 7.