Lakeville North has a regular-season schedule that could make the No. 8 Panthers battle-tested and ready to contend for a state title this year. They face four teams that made their respective section finale a season ago, including Rosemount.
The Panthers defeated the Irish 9-5 in their only matchup last season, and there's a chance the outcome may be different this year as Lakeville North's roster looks significantly different. The Panthers graduated senior long-stick midfielder Brent Hacuk along with defenders Chralie Dickie and Carter Hennen from the a team that made the state tournament.
One key returner in the middle is junior Keaton Mohs, who will likely be relied upon to lead the offense.
Rosemount comes into the year after finishing third in the South Suburban Conference standings and falling to Prior Lake in the Section 6 final. After graduating just seven players from last season's team, the Irish will likely be a force to be reckoned with — a signal that will be sent with a victory against Lakeville North.
The No. 4 Irish return major scorers from a season ago, including senior attackman Thomas Purfeerst, who looks to improve on last year's 68-point season (41-27). Austin Lentz leads the way among returning defenders.