The wait is over for the rematch between two of the top prep volleyball teams in southwest Minnesota.

The Russell Tyler Ruthton Knights (24-2) will host the defending section champions Minneota Vikings (19-2) on Tuesday evening.It’s an anticipated volleyball match-up of undefeated teams in the Camden Conference with first place on the line.

The Knights have had quite the season already — winning two tournaments this season and tying a school record for most wins in a season. The Knights roster features a balanced of youth and experience mixed with chemistry and hunger that has allowed them to earn the No 1 seed in Class A. Players like Ella Hesse, Abby Carr, Lexi Schreurs, and Gabi Borreson are just a few of the standout players for RTR. They also already recorded a win against the Vikings earlier this season in a hard-fought battle that went three sets. It was the first win for the Knights over the Vikings in 25 years.The Knights have a target on their back and the best thing about it is, they relish it.

“This is a huge match-up for both teams,” Head coach Daynica Brown said. “They’re undefeated in conference and we’re undefeated as well. So both teams are going to go after it. We’re excited to play a great team on our home floor and the atmosphere is going to be electric for both teams.”Brown added that Minneota has set the bar high with their excellence of play in volleyball. She added how well-coached and great team the Vikings have been this season.

For the Knights to get to where they ultimately want to go, they’ll have to go through the gauntlet of teams including the reigning section champions.Although young and inexperienced, the Vikings are experiencing another successful season led by Elivia Faris, Megan Krog, Ella Johnson, and their do-it-all senior Ireland Stassen. The great Rudy Tomjanovich said never underestimate the heart of a champion and that’s exactly what the Vikings have been the past several seasons. Both RTR and Minneota haven’t lost since the Southwest Minnesota Challenge in September and both teams have the same number of losses.

“After the showcase match-up with RTR, it was a very telling day,” Vikings head coach Hayley Fruin said. “We saw what we were good at and not so good at and we have been focusing on ourselves trying to get better each day. We know and respect how good of a team RTR is. They served against us very well and had seven aces throughout the match. We are looking forward to the challenge and we will see what happens.”

The Vikings have been the measuring stick for years as teams have tried to usurp them as conference champions. The Vikings are battle tested being in some five-set matches already this season, while RTR hasn’t been in any.With a combined record of 43-4 this season, it is undeniable the talent across the board from the players and coaches of these teams.