Class 3A, No. 1-ranked Blaine is taking a much-deserved weekend off from volleyball matches after being hosts of its tournament last weekend, but some of the other top teams in the metro are gearing up for another jam-packed Friday and Saturday of action.

STMA Midwest Fall Classic

Ryan Dehnel came to coach St. Michael-Albertville last season and wanted to add the wrinkle of playing host to a varsity tournament at the school for what many believe is the first time. He didn't hold back. Thirty-two teams are entered for this inaugural event.

"We're blessed enough to have a building that can field that kind of tournament and still have room for spectator seating on all eight courts," said Dehnel, who coached Burnsville in the massive Southwest Minnesota Challenge at Marshall in years past. "It was something I was excited to have a chance to do."

Dehnel said he sent out two waves of invitations for the tournament, hoping for 24 teams.

"We went right by that number," he said. "There is no doubt it has taken a lot of legwork. We have a great staff that has been helping out with everything."

The field: Representatives from all three classes will take part, including defending Class 2A champion Wadena-Deer Creek (which went undefeated a year ago) and Class 1A consolation runner-up Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa.

The loaded field also features a Centennial team that somewhat quietly put together a quality season. Heading into this week, the Cougars' losses had been to Class 1A, No. 1 Bethlehem Academy, Class 3A contenders Bloomington Jefferson and Eagan and Class 2A, No. 5 Jordan.

Todd Bachman Invitational

Speaking of the Jaguars, they are part of this year's 15-team tournament at Lakeville North. This is the 27th year of the event, which was renamed in 2008 in honor of former Lakeville standout Wiz Bachman's father, Todd, who was killed while attending the Beijing Olympics.

The field: The defending Class 3A champion Panthers are opening their doors to a wealth of competition. Former coach Milan Mader retired after last season with the second-most high school victories all-time in Minnesota.

The only coach with more, Hibbing's Gail Nucech, brings her squad to town and is in Lakeville North's opening-round pod along with New Prague. The winner of that three-team group will move to the championship bracket and face the winner of Jordan's opening bracket. The Jaguars had a rough 0-3 start to the season, but they have rebounded well. Jordan took the Panthers to a decisive third game at the Apple Valley tournament.

Blaze Varsity Invite

Burnsville's annual event might only be nine teams deep, but it's pool play, meaning every team has a shot at redemption and no one is safe with a single victory.

The field: Keep an eye on Chanhassen. The Storm entered the week with just two losses -- both to Eden Prairie. Outside hitter Julianne Blomberg has had 15 or more kills in seven matches.