Losing Six Seniors Will Be Tough for Northfield Raiders to Overcome

Missota Conference Volleyball Outlook

Teams to watch

• Shakopee—The Sabers' run of three straight state titles ended last season, but the Sabres still had enough firepower to win the Missota. They have two first-team all-league selections back from that team, making them one of the top teams in the league again this year.

• New Prague—The Trojans were a young bunch last season, but now have experience to match their talent and should significantly improve on last year's six-win total.

Players to watch

• Sydney Foss—New Prague (Outside hitter)

Foss was named all-conference honorable mention as a freshman.

• Claire Sames—Shakopee (Middle blocker)

Sames, one of just four juniors to earn first-team all-league honors last season, is committed to Southwest Minnesota State.

• Kari Monnens—Shakopee (Outside hitter)

Monnens was one of just four juniors to earn first-team all-league honors last season.

Key losses

• Megan Westlund—Shakopee (Setter)

Westlund was a three-year starter for the Sabers and a strong team leader.

• Katie Habeck—Farmington (Middle/Outside hitter)

Habeck was one of the league's top hitters a year ago, with more than 400 kills.

• Amanda Thompson—Northfield (Setter)

Northfield lost three all-league players to graduation—not to mention all six starters—and given the Raiders' youth this season, Thompson might be the toughest of the three to replace.

Toughest road trip

Shakopee—One consolation for opposing coaches is that most trips to Shakopee end pretty quickly.

Preseason Conference Player of the Year

• Claire Sames—Shakopee (Middle blocker)

Sames is the top player on the league's top team. Her presence in the middle will cause other teams to change their plans of attack when they face the Sabers.

2010 final standings

Shakopee 7-0 19-9-0

Northfield 6-1 19-6-0

Chanhassen 6-2 19-7-0

Chaska 4-3 15-13-0

New Prague 2-4 6-17-2

Farmington 2-5 9-19-0

Red Wing 1-6 11-17-0

Holy Angels 0-6 5-20-0

Top 2010 postseason finishes

Shakopee—Lost to Waconia in the Section 2AAA semifinals.

Chaska—Lost to Eden Prairie in the Section 2AAA semifinals.

Northfield—Lost to Rochester Mayo in the Section 1AAA semifinals.