The loss of just one player can throw a team completely out of balance. The players at New Prague, which this week fell out of the Class 3A rankings for the first time this season, have learned that lesson.
Ironically, the Trojans (10-9, 3-2) were playing their best as they exited the top 10. New Prague won four consecutive matches, including one against No. 3-3A Kasson-Mantorville, after losing on consecutive nights to No. 6-3A Grand Rapids and No. 7-4A Chaska. The Trojans' winning streak ended with a five-set loss at Waconia last Thursday.
Another in that string of victories was a three-set sweep of Shakopee, a team that beat the Trojans 2-0 on Sept. 10 at the Sabers' tournament. New Prague was without junior setter Avery Klein in that loss and the Trojans missed their floor leader.
Klein is back in the lineup and the Trojans are making themselves noticed in a Class 3A, Section 6 field that includes Tuesday's opponent, No. 4-3A Holy Angels (19-1, 9-0).
The Stars, who opened the season with 16 consecutive victories, certainly would like to win on Tuesday. Not only to establish dominance prior to the section tournament, but for a little payback. New Prague beat the Stars 3-1 last fall in the section championship before finishing third at the state tournament.
Kiera O'Rourke, with 220 kills this season, will likely play a key part in helping Holy Angels secure the payback win.