One team is 20-0 and enjoying the best season in the program’s history. Another is 26-7-1 and looking to return to the state volleyball tournament. Both are undefeated in Region 6, District 12.

There’s plenty on the line when the South Prairie-Max Royals travel to Our Redeemer’s Christian School (OCRS) tonight to take on the Knights.

“This match determines the District No. 1 seed, and honestly could affect our standings if we make it all the way to state,” said South Prairie-Max’s head volleyball coach Keturah Schwarzrock. “The outcome has a lot of implications for the rest of our season.”

The Royals are perfect on the season and come into the matchup No. 4 in the latest NDAPSSA Class B media poll.

The Knights (20-0) are No. 7 in those rankings. OCRS’ only losses (26-7-1) on the year were to No. 1 May-Port-CG, No. 2 Northern Cass, No. 3 Dickinson Trinity and No. 9 North Star.

“When it comes to the season schedule, you hope to play the strongest games near the end of the season to see where you stand for post-season play,” said OCRS head volleyball coach, Kara Nunziato. “We are excited to meet up with South Prairie-Max. They have a great team that brings a lot of experience from the previous season to the floor.”

The Royals are focusing on the mental aspects of the match, and to manage the emotions of playing the district heavyweight OCRS.

“We know we can play well and have the talent to compete, but the mental aspect is a whole other best,” said Schwarzrock. “Coming up against the long-standing district powerhouse of ORCS is a big thing and one we have always lost. I hope the girls can mentally bring their ‘A-game’ to overcome that obstacle.”

The Knights will focus on neutralizing the Royals’ offensive weapons such as middle blocker Azijah Trader, who recorded 21 kills against Des Lacs-Burlington late last month.

“South Prairie-Max has several offensive weapons on their side, so we will need to be prepared to defend the ball,” said Nunziato. “Our goal is to go in comfortable and confident in our style of play and really enjoy playing a competitive match.”

The match begins at 7 p.m. in the Our Redeemer’s High School gymnasium.