Blake at Hill-Murray
7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 10

Hill-Murray embarks on its quest for a third consecutive Class 2A state title by opening the season against Class 1A state runner-up Blake at Aldrich Arena.

The Pioneers have reached the state championship game each of the last three years, losing to Minnetonka 3-1 in 2013 title match before beginning its run of back-to-back championships.

Hill-Murray, which finished with a 25-5 overall record last year, welcomes back U.S. Women’s Under-18 National Team members and Division I commits Kenzie Prater (7 goals, 11 assists; Quinnipiac) and Mekenzie Steffen (14G, 14A; Wisconsin).

They should help make up for the graduation of leading goal scorers Jess Bonfe (27G, 19A) and Becca Zarembinksi (21G, 21A), as should the return of Laura Anderson (20G, 21A), Jac Kaasa (15G, 21A) and Lindsey Featherstone (11G, 18A).

Blake forward and Princeton commit Carly Bullock is back and looks to build off a junior year in which she notched 49 goals and 36 assists. The Bears also return all-state defender and fellow Princeton commit Sylvie Wallin (4G, 26A), along with sophomore goalie Anna Kruesel, who finished 22-4 with five shutouts and boasted a 1.65 goals-against average and a .929 save percentage last year.

The Bears, who won five titles in eight trips to state, ended last season falling to Thief River Falls 3-1 in the Class 1A championship game.

Blake is off to a strong start following a 4-1 victory over Cretin-Derham Hall in the season opener on Nov. 7.