New Prague at Shakopee
4:30 p.m., Friday, April 8

New Prague will be searching for a new identity this season after graduating 16 seniors, but Taylor Lambrecht gives the Trojans a player to build around. The senior led the team with a .500 batting average last year and has the ability to do so again this year.

Shakopee turned some heads by winning the South Suburban Conference title last season - its first year in the league - and the No. 19-4A Sabers could contend for another with eight returners, including three experienced pitchers.

Sabers ace Andrew Hanbury leads the group, while Century College commit and senior catcher Matt Theis is solid whether behind or beside the plate. Theis compiled a .429 batting average and 14 RBI as Shakopee’s cleanup hitter last year.

The Sabers will have a new outfield whose speed will have to compensate for a lack of varsity experience. 

Shakopee defeated New Prague 8-4 last year.