Rocori at Brainerd
5:00 p.m., Thursday, April 16

Perennial Central Lakes Conference contenders Brainerd and Rocori resume their grapple for control of the league in this early season matchup.

Brainerd had the upper hand last season, finishing 12-1 (16-2 overall) and earning the Central Lakes title. Rocori took second place with eight conference wins.

The Warriors graduated 12 seniors last year, which doesn't seem to be an issue for first-year coach Shane Jordan, who takes over a familiar group of players he coached on the freshman team - including Brainerd's two returning starters Madi Veith and Hannah Munsch.

The young team won its season opener in Willmar 3-2 last Friday.

Rocori lost to Brainerd 3-2 and 8-4 in a doubleheader last year. The Spartans also graduated a swath of seniors, but showed offensive proficiency and solid defense in defeating St. Cloud Apollo 7-2 in the season opener.