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Top Girls' Games: East metro powers Mahtomedi and East Ridge collide

By Nick Gerhardt, SportsEngine, 08/29/16, 5:15PM CDT

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Sept. 1: The Zephyrs are a perennial power and face a rising Raptors squad for just the second time since 2009.


Mahtomedi coach Dave Wald has build his program into a Class 1A state tournament contender, and the Zyphers will test their mettle on Thursday against a talented East Ridge squad focused on reaching the Class 2A state tournament. Photo by Kelly McGinley

Dave Wald has served as Mahtomedi's head coach since 2006 while Mark Abboud has led East Ridge since its inception in 2009. They have built their programs into perennial contenders in the east metro, but the teams have met only once in seven seasons.

The Raptors notched a 2-1 regular-season victory a year ago that helped them secure the second seed in the Class 2A, Section 4 playoffs. However, East Ridge's season came to a close in the semifinals, where it was upset by sixth-seeded Stillwater.

The Zephyrs used the lessons learned from the loss to fuel a run to the Class 1A state tournament — and returned with the third-place trophy.  

Both programs bring the weight of experience into this season's matchup, with East Ridge returning 14 seniors and Mahtomedi welcoming back nine. 

This early season meeting between east metro powers could provide the spark one  or both — needs to make a long postseason run and is our Top Game of the Week. 

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