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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Tag(s): Girls' MSHSL IMAC Blake Lake Eden Prairie Edina Minnetonka Wayzata Lake Superior Hermantown Metro East Hill-Murray Mahtomedi Metro West Benilde-St. Margaret's Mississippi 8 St. Michael-Albertville Northwest Suburban Blaine South Suburban Burnsville Eastview Prior Lake Suburban East East Ridge Stillwater Tri-Metro Holy Angels Wright County Orono