Maple Lake at Glencoe-Silver Lake
4:30 p.m., Monday, April 17

Coming off a fourth place finish at the Class 2A state tournament, Maple Lake (4-0, 1-0) is off to another hot start this season.

The Irish, ranked No. 9 in Class 2A by the Associated Press poll, have been able to win in a variety of ways this season, mashing the ball for two eight-run outbursts, while picking up one-run wins in two pitching duels as well. Hunter Malachek has been influential on both sides of the ball, leading the team with eight hits in 14 at-bats and throwing a complete game in a 2-1 victory over No. 8-2A Annandale on Apr. 13.

Maple Lake's Class 2A, Section 5 rival Glencoe-Silver Lake (2-1, 2-1) is attempting to return from a stunning end to its 2016 campaign. The Panthers were 19-1 and ranked No. 2 heading into sections, but were dispatched in just two games, with the final loss coming at the hands of the Irish.

The Panthers have a young core with six juniors and three sophomores, but they also bring back three everyday seniors, including their starting pitcher in sections, Peyton Sell, and Mitchell Boesche, who is hitting .400 to begin the year.