Prior Lake vs. Apple Valley

5:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 1

The season is still young, but there are some matchups this week that could have seismic influence up through even the state tournament.

Prior Lake's clash with Apple Valley on Tuesday is certainly one such contest, with the makings to be our Top Game of the Week. 

Despite fielding a relatively young squad, the Lakers are rolling to start the season and are ranked No. 2 in the season's first coaches' poll. Sophomore Josie Kropp leads Prior Lake (4-0, 1-0) in points (9 goals, 7 assists) while junior Jordan Anderson has nine goals. Payton Bloedow scored 21 goals a year ago as an eighth grader and looks to be a significant offensive weapon for Prior Lake for years to come. 

The Lakers have reached three consecutive state tournaments and have turned in a better result each year, culminating in a third-place finish last season.

Prior Lake has also actively knocked the Eagles out of the Section 6 tournament in each of those three years. Despite this being a regular-season matchup, the winner will likely see its path to the state tournament become more tangible. 

Apple Valley (3-0, 1-0) is more experienced than its opponent, returning all four of its top points producers from last season. The benefit of years has shown in the results, with all three of the wins for the No. 4 Eagles coming by at least 10 goals. Emma Vogelgesang is leading the way in goals with 10, while Sophia Leong is heading up the assists department with six.