Mounds View at Chanhassen
3 p.m., Saturday, April 16

The graduation of eight college commits could leave any program without much hope for success in the following season, but if Mounds View’s recent run is any indicator, the Mustangs recovery should be painless.

Mounds View entered last year's Class 3A state tournament with the top ranking, but the Mustangs were upset by Northfield 3-2 in the quarterfinals and eventually won the consolation state championship.

It’s unlikely Mounds View's offense will be as productive as last season (outscored opponents 169-42) after graduating 80 percent of its at-bats, but head coach Mark Downey’s program is often regarded for its defense, which should help keep opponents in check. The No. 5-4A Mustangs held their competition to three runs or less in 20 of 27 games last year.

The defense will revolve around senior pitchers Nick and Bo Lovdahl, twins who are Iowa Lakes Community College commits, while position battles will carry on throughout the regular season. Century College commit Tyler Fredlund is the top returning batter after finishing last year with a .398 batting average. 

Defending big-school champion Chanhassen caps a four-game week against the Mustangs, who were Class 3A champions in 2013 and 2014.