Anoka vs. Coon Rapids

4:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 8

Anoka's run to a Class 4A state title fell just short a year ago, when it lost a 10-inning thriller to Farmington 1-0 in the championship game. This season, the Tornadoes are back with tempered expectations. 

The program graduated seven players and was not ranked in the top 10 when the season's first coaches' poll was released last week. 

The Tornadoes (6-3, 4-1), however, are staying competitive in the Northwest Suburban Conference and are three games back of conference leader Maple Grove, which has played four more league games than the Tornadoes. Coon Rapids, one game removed from first place, is also in the mix — making Tuesday's matinee a fitting choice for our Top Game of the Week.

Not only will this game impact the conference race, it will play a role in seeding for the Class 4A, Section 7 playoffs. 

The Tornadoes will lean on four seniors, spearheaded by outfielder Kaitlyn Backman, who earned all-conference honors as a junior, as they set their sights on a strong Northwest Suburban finish and building momentum for the postseason.

Coon Rapids (9-2, 6-1) returns a veteran group that went 10-10 a year ago. The Cardinals are improving with the help of players such as junior catcher/second baseman Abby Graham, who's hitting .585 with 13 RBI and eight extra-base hits this season.