Some coaches like to challenge their teams early in the season, and the contest between Orono and Blake on Sept. 4 is a prime example, as both are coming off state tournament campaigns and hope to play late into the fall again.
An early win against a team with a track record for recent success could go a long way in terms of confidence for each of these programs.
Orono, ranked No. 3 in the Class 1A coaches' preseason poll, has plenty of talent returning from a team that lost to Mahtomedi 2-1 in last season's state championship, making the Spartans (1-0) an early favorite to compete for a state title. The duo of Anna Tesar and Sadie Koltes combined to score 19 goals and 15 assists as sophomores last season, while senior Sarah Johnston looks to end her career with a state title. Johnston had 11 goals and eight assists a year ago.
Blake, which was bounced by Visitation 1-0 in the first round of last season's state tournament, also boasts a roster full of experienced returners. The No. 2-1A Bears (1-0) only lost four seniors from last year, and returns leading scorer Cate Moe, a sophomore. Last year, Moe led the team with nine assists and co-led the team with 10 goals (she tied Sara McClanahan, who graduated).