Missota Conference Volleyball Outlook: Shakopee Expected to be Top Team

—The Stars opened up the 2010 season with a dismal 2-11 record, but they did rebound to win a Section 4AA West match in the postseason—topping St. Paul Johnson 3-0. Holy Angels finished 0-7 in the conference last year.

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.

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.

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.

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

Sames

• 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.

Shakopee: 7-0 in conference matchups; 19-9-0 overall.

Northfield: 6-1 in conference matchups; 19-6-0 overall.

Chanhassen: 6-2 in conference matchups; 19-7-0 overall.

Chaska: 4-3 in conference matchups; 15-13-0 overall.

New Prague: 2-4 in conference matchups; 6-17-2 overall.

Farmington: 2-5 in conference matchups; 9-19-0 overall.

Red Wing: 1-6 in conference matchups; 11-17-0 overall.

Holy Angels: 0-7 in conference matchups; 5-20-0 overall.

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.