Elk River at Hopkins
7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 30

With 12 letterwinners returning, Elk River boasts a deep group that should improve on last season's 14-11 mark and propel the Elks to their first state tournament appearance. 

Outside hitter Sidney Wentland (223 kills, 234 digs) was named all-Northwest Suburban Conference a year ago and joins fellow seniors Gabrielle Haack (110 kills, 301 digs) and 6-foot-1 Nissa Johnson (113 kills, 75 digs) to power the team. 

Hopkins held off an inspired Tracy-Milroy-Balaton team at the Side Out Classic, edging the No. 2-1A Panthers in five sets. 

Minnesota commit Jasmyn Martin and all-Lake Conference performer Greta Warner are players to watch for the Royals.