There's been a rivalry brewing atop the Northwest Suburban Conference standings the past few years, and it's even spilled into the postseason and should whet the whistle of girls' lacrosse fans ready for the new season to take off.
Blaine visits Champlin Park on Wednesday in our Top Game of the Week and is looking to start another undefeated run.
The Bengals captured their second consecutive league title after finishing the regular season 11-0, including an 8-7 victory over the Rebels late in April. While the outcome was the same, the score was much different when the teams met in the postseason as Blaine rolled to a 15-6 decision in the Section 7 championship and into its third straight state tournament.
Making it four in a row could be difficult for a Bengals team needing to fill the void on offense after graduation their top five goal scorers from last season, including Abby Jones (116 goals in 19 games).
Goalie Autumn Graleske may be the tonic Blaine can turn to. She is back after going 16-3 last season with a 7.42 goals against average.
Champlin Park's state tournament drought has reached four years, leaving the Rebels thirsty for a return trip. Defeating Blaine could start to quench Champlin Park's hankering by providing the Rebels with the confidence they need to break through in Section 7 and end a five-game losing streak to the Bengals — including three straight in postseason play.
Midfielder Josie Johnson, who amassed 55 goals and 12 assists last season, returns for her senior year and should be a focal point on offense for the Rebels.