Shakopee at Farmington
4:15 p.m., Tuesday, April 12

Shakopee and Farmington enter the season off impressive performances and expect to contend for a South Suburban Conference title this season.

The Sabers finished second in the league standings thanks to a knack for winning close games. In seven games decided by two runs or less, Shakopee went 6-1, including a 4-3 victory over Farmington.

Senior Damara Theis will take over pitching duties for the Sabers following a junior year in which she went 3-1 with a 2.80 ERA in 35 innings in the regular season.

Shakopee will be searching for some offense after graduating Hannah Mendez (.392 batting average, 15 RBI) and Halle Erickson (.381, 22 RBI). Senior outfielder Natalie Stamos hit .417 last year as the leadoff hitter. She'll be key in helping set the table for Megan Schmidt and Mackenzie Sullivan.

Despite a 6-7 league mark, the Tigers reached the Class 3A state tournament last season.

Maddie Muelken earned a win as Farmington (1-0) opened this year April 6 by defeating Edina 10-1.