Maple Grove at Elk River
4:15 p.m., Wednesday, April 29

Titans clash atop the Northwest Suburban Conference as No. 1-3A Maple Grove travels to No. 8-3A Elk River.

The Crimson (8-0, 7-0) have outscored opponents 47-6 and are powered by a strong core of senior players, including Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year candidate Sydney Smith, Madison Gordon and Sarah Michal. 

Smith recently signed with Louisiana State University but is committed first to return to -- and win -- the Class 3A state championship game. The pitcher struck out 15 in a 3-0 victory at Coon Rapids on April 13 and recored seven strikeouts in six innings of an 11-0 victory at Andover on April 22.

Gordan went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBI in a 2-0 victory over No. 6-3A Spring Lake Park, while Michal had two hits, one RBI and two runs scored in an 8-2 victory at Blaine.

Elk River will likely be Maple Grove's toughest test of the regular season. The Elks are 7-1, just a half-game behind the Crimson in the conference standings, and have outscored opponents 46-10. A 1-0 loss to Spring Lake Park on April 16 is the only blemish on their record.

Junior Anna Neuman has been dynamite in late April, recording a combined five hits, two RBI and two runs scored in wins over Andover and Robbinsdale Armstrong.