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We task our reporters with identifying several intriguing games throughout the state to assemble our Top Games of the Week. The matchups are presented in no particular order, and when there are additional games we want to highlight, we’ll include them with brief notes.
Eagan vs. Lakeville North, 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 29. Eagan no longer is the team every opponent feared the past decade. The Wildcats lost three games last weekend at the Apple Valley tournament, including to Lakeville North, to fall to 7-7 overall. But Eagan is 3-0 in the ultra-competitive South Suburban Conference and gets a rematch with the No. 3-4A Panthers (14-3, 4-0) this week.
Caledonia vs. Byron, 7:15 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 29. No. 10-2A Caledonia (9-6, 4-0) is coming off a tough weekend, having lost four of five at the Minnesota High School Volleyball Showcase while playing three ranked teams. It doesn't get any easier this week at No. 6-3A Byron (10-3, 3-1).
Sartell-St. Stephen vs. Willmar, 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 27. Each team is 11-2 overall and 7-0 in the Central Lakes. Willmar, ranked third in Class 3A, has the prestige, but Sartell-St. Stephen can take a big edge in the conference race with a victory.
Minnehaha Academy vs. Mounds Park Academy, 6 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 27. Minnehaha Academy quietly remains one of the state's unbeatens at 13-0 (6-0). The Redhawks' signature victory came on Sept. 8 against conference rival and Class 2A, Section 4 rival Mounds Park Academy (6-8, 4-1), which now has the opportunity to play spoiler.
The MN Volleyball Hub poll is only for entertainment purposes.