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Top games: Maple Grove and Blaine renew their rivalry

By Samuel Wigness, Sport Ngin, 04/05/15, 9:45PM CDT

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April 8: Crimson have mission to return to state final but must get past conference rival Blaine first.


Maple Grove has posted a combined 44-6 record in the past two seasons and lost last year's state championship game 3-2 to Lakeville South. Photo by Brian Nelson

With the onset of spring comes the familiar sounds and smells of softball.

Speaking of familiarity, in the Northwest Suburban Conference, Maple Grove and Blaine know each other all too well. They've met seven times since 2011, with Maple Grove winning all seven matchups. The teams meet once again after losing a combined three players from last year's starting lineups.

The Crimson start the 2015 season after posting a combined 44-6 record in the past two seasons and losing the state championship game 3-2 to Lakeville South. While they'll be without catcher Sarah Southorn's defense and infielder Jordan Mauch's bat, Louisiana State recruit Sydney Smith returns to the mound after recording 11 wins, 124 strikeouts and a .63 ERA last spring.

Across the diamond, Blaine carries a swath of returning starters including RBI-mavens Amelia Lucklow, Kalli Doyle and Taylor Bross. The Bengals look to improve on last year's 6-11 record and early exit from the section playoffs.

While Maple Grove is built for a return to the state championship, Blaine has the makings of an up-and-coming contender.