Hill-Murray and Benilde-St. Margaret’s are looking for a late-August win that could boost their confidence after both failed to make last year’s state tournament.
The Pioneers reached the Class 1A, Section 4 championship last fall, but their season finished with a 6-0 loss to Mahtomedi.
The Pioneers (0-1) can take solace knowing their star, Katherine Schindler, will be returning after a dominant sophomore season where she finished with 15 goals and 15 assists (tied for the eighth-most in the state).
After winning the Class 1A state title in 2016, the Red Knights failed to make the tourney last season thanks to a 2-1 loss to DeLaSalle in the Section 1 semifinals.
Benilde-St. Margaret's is going to need offense from new players this season after graduating its top three scorers who contributed a combined 19 goals. Senior Erin Long, who had four goals and three assists last season, will have a chance to step up and become the leader for the Red Knights (2-0).