Prep Blog: This Weekend's Top High School Match-Ups
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- You don't have to go very far to find entertaining, competitive and intense match-ups on the high school sports scene.
The spring prep sports landscape will take shape over the next few weeks as we'll have playoffs underway, if not decided, in lacrosse, softball, baseball and tennis. We'll also have conference championship meets across the state in golf as well as track and field. That's assuming, of course, that Mother Nature cooperates with the weather. But that's always a gamble.
In any case, this week's featured match-ups include games in softball, baseball and lacrosse both in and out of conference play that will have a direct impact on the upcoming postseason.
Friday Girls Softball: Forest Lake (14-2) at Prior Lake (12-5)
It could be a preview of the Class AAA State Tournament Friday as Prior Lake, ranked No. 4, hosts No. 6-ranked Forest Lake in non-conference action. The Rangers have won 11 straight games after shutting out Stillwater last Saturday. They are led by senior outfielder Katherine Watson, who is equally dangerous at the plate and in the field. Prior Lake had won six of seven games before losing two straight to Apple Valley in Shakopee in South Suburban Conference action. The Lakers are led offensively by junior catcher Caroline Bjorge and senior outfielder Isabelle Gates. It's the regular season finale for both squads as they seek momentum heading into the playoffs.
Friday Boys Baseball: Mounds View (16-2) at Woodbury (12-5)
Mounds View is the No. 1-ranked team in Class AAA and appears to be headed to compete for a second straight state title. The Mustangs will close out the regular season with a Suburban East Conference clash against Woodbury, looking to avenge one of its two losses on the season. The Royals rallied from an early deficit to win that game 7-5. Mounds View has relied on its pitching all season, led by Henry DeCaster's 4-0 record and ERA less than one. Woodbury rallied from a 1-3 start to win 10 of its last 11 games. Mounds View has all but clinched a league title, but this game still has plenty of implications for section playoff seedings.
Friday Girls Lacrosse: Maple Grove (5-4) at Minnetonka (7-1)
Maple Grove was a state tournament team last year, losing to eventual champion Blake. Minnetonka is one of the top girls lacrosse teams this year, and the to meet Friday as the regular season winds down. The Skippers are on a roll, having won five straight games since a late April loss to Eden Prairie. They're led by Erin McGinnis and Anna DiFrancesco, who have combined to score 37 goals this season. Maple Grove has had an interesting season, winning its first four games before dropping four of their last five. Three of those losses have been one-goal games. The Crimson are led by the trio of Lauren Kaufman, Hailey Herdine and Christina Kampa, who have scored a combined 53 goals. It should be a great game between two teams looking to make a run at a state title this year.
Saturday Boys Lacrosse: East Ridge (8-1) at Prior Lake (9-0)
The No. 1-ranked boys lacrosse team in the state will put its perfect season on the line Saturday as Prior Lake hosts East Ridge in non-conference action. It also puts a balanced offense for the Lakers against a stingy defense from the Raptors. Prior Lake has six players with at least 23 points on the season, led by Carter Collins and Taylor Kropp, who have combined for 31 goals. In nine games this season, East Ridge has allowed more than three goals four times and is led by freshman goalie Peyton Bixby. The trio of junior Evan Woodward and seniors Grant Edwards and Max Cooper have combined for 31 goals to lead the Raptors.
Tune into WCCO-TV's High School Sports Rally as Mike Max, Frank Vascellaro and David McCoy will have all the action covered.