Class 2 Preseason Rankings 1-5

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Last year Class 2 was going to come down to three teams taking the title, Hermann, Saxony, or Jefferson. This year's field is wide open, and Saxony Crusaders get my nod for the preseason number 1. 1 of only two teams that are returning enough offensively and defensively to take the title.</strong> <strong>Hermann is always in the mix for a title run, and this year will be no different. Class 2 could end up with 3 or 4 new teams in the final four but could change with the multiplier in place.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1.<strong>Saxony Lutheran Crusaders 26-9-3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Crusaders are coming in at the top of Class 2 for what they returned from a terrific team last season. Paige Seibel, [player_tooltip player_id='240203' first='Clara' last='Brune'], and Grace Ozark will patrol the net, and returning 6-2 setters will run the show. Saxony is the team to beat in Class 2 this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2.<strong>Hermann Bearcats 31-10-1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The tradition-rich program lost four starters from last year's runner-up and one of the best players in the luxurious history of the program. One thing about Hermann is they don't rebuild; they reload. <strong>Jill Rood</strong> is the top returning attacker, and <strong>Breckyn Koeller</strong> will guide the offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>3.<strong>Fair Grove Eagles 30-2-4</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A loss in the quarterfinals to Strafford last year should light a fire under the five returning players. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='349621' first='Brooke' last='Daniels']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='342445' first='Hannah' last='Maxwell']</strong> are the key players, as they will both hit and set again this year. The Eagles are a legit contender to reach the final four.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4.<strong>Strafford Indians 27-9-1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Indians will again be in contention to repeat in the final four. They lost three starters from last season and returned three. Never count out the Indians, as <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='170042' first='Halle' last='Forester']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='493037' first='Sophia' last='Venosdel'] </strong>should be the main offensive threats. If Strafford can find a replacement for the loss of a fantastic setter, they should be able to make a push come late October.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>5.<strong>El Dorado Springs Bulldogs 27-9-1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Having only lost one starter from a solid squad, the Bulldogs will again be in the playoff talk. <strong>Gracie Mead</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='195382' first='Neely' last='Schaaf']</strong> return as the top offensive threats and need to replace their best middle hitter from a season ago to be a legit contender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->