Hill-Murray at Prior Lake
7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 25

Prior Lake made a name for itself last season when finished in a 0-0 draw with then top-ranked Eagan, the first time the Wildcats have been held without a goal since 2013. 

While the tie highlighted how stingy the Lakers' defense was last season, it could stand in contrast to the unit's performance this year, as Prior Lake graduated several players from the back line.

All is not lost, however, as the Lakers return junior goalkeeper Leah Pavlish, along with top-scorers Hannah Caldwell and Allie Bollinger.

Prior Lake finished with a 6-5-6 record after getting bounced in the first round of the Class 2A, Section 2 tournament by Edina.

Ella French will try to lead Hill-Murray back to the state tournament this season. The Pioneers failed to find their way to a bid for the first time in the past three years after falling to eventual champion Mahtomedi 2-0 in the Class 1A, Section 4 semifinals.

Hill-Murray graduated just four players from a team that finished 8-7-4 overall but showed promise in several games, including a 2-2 tie with Prior Lake early in the year.