MAX ELSENHEIMER

Eagan • Lacrosse

Having to replace much of its roster because of graduation, Eagan went into the 2014 season with more hopes than certainties. As a captain and four-year starter, Elsenheimer saw a need and, so far, has done everything he can to fill it, taking his game to another level in helping the Wildcats to a 3-0 start.

In the first week of play, he scored eight goals, had seven assists, scooped 17 ground balls and forced 10 turnovers.

"Personally, I'm pretty proud of those numbers," Elsenheimer said. "I'm usually more of a team player because we've had other guys who can put up big numbers, but this year I've had to step up a little."

Fresh off a hockey state tournament in which he scored a team-high four goals as Eagan took home the Class 2A third-place trophy, Elsenheimer went into the lacrosse season full of confidence.

"The hockey tournament gave me a taste of what could be for lacrosse. It's another goal to shoot for," he said.

Despite a preponderance of inexperienced players, Elsenheimer said the Wildcats have a chance to make a big impact in the postseason.

Josh Gearou, Elk River tennis

"A lot of people have written us off, but I really think we can go all the way," he said. "We've got guys stepping up. We've really grown as a team."

JOSH GEAROU

Elk River • Tennis

After losing just five games in his first nine matches, the junior disposed of tougher competition in this final two matches last week, beating Mahtomedi's Ryan Meger 6-1, 6-2 and Eagan's Zach Ekstein 6-0, 7-5 on the same day.

KAITLYN GELLERMAN

St. Agnes • Softball

The Aggies scored 46 runs in three victories last week with Gellerman, a junior third baseman, spurring the offense. She went 8-for-10 with three doubles, two homers, nine runs scored and 11 RBI. She is hitting .733.

RYAN GRAFF

Bloomington Jefferson • Lacrosse

A pair of impressive season-opening victories over Edina and Eastview can be traced to the play of the sophomore attacker. He had eight points in the two wins, including four goals in an 11-9 victory over No. 2-ranked Eastview.

ABBY KIMLINGER

Cretin-Derham Hall Softball

The junior catcher carried the Raiders to an 8-6 victory over East Ridge, clubbing three home runs and driving in seven of their eight runs. In two games last week, she went 5-for-7 with a double, three homers and nine RBI.

ANNE SLUSSER

Blake • Lacrosse

The senior midfielder, a five-year veteran with four state championships to her credit, scored nine goals and had two assists as the No. 1-ranked Bears beat Armstrong 16-7 and Lakeville North 19-6.

CONNER YEPSEN

Rosemount • Lacrosse

The youngest of the Yepsen twins (brother Carter is five minutes older), the senior midfielder had 11 goals and four assists in routs of Rochester Century (19-5) and Mahtomedi (16-6). His final goal gave him 100 in his high school career.

JIM PAULSEN