Eagan, boosted by transfer Mesa Jameson, is on the rise in the list compiled weekly by Strib Varsity’s Marcus Fuller. Lakeville South and Lakeville North hold the top two spots.

Byron is undefeated this season, and Stewartville has lost only to the state’s top-ranked Class 4A team.

Lakeville South (Class 4A), Marshall (3A), Hawley (2A) and Minneota (1A), No. 1 in the preseason, retained the top spots in the rankings released by the Minnesota Volleyball Coaches Association on Aug. 31.

The teams are rivals from the Three Rivers Conference, and each has players ranked among Minnesota’s top recruits.

Coach John Yunker led his new team, which is ranked second in Class 4A, to a victory over his previous team.

The season begins with a match right off the top of the rankings and continues with more volleyball and lots of Week 1 football.

The list runs 16 players deep and includes athletes committed to the nation’s top programs, including two who plan to play for the Gophers.

The preseason ranking starts with the defending Class 4A champion, moves to a rival from its own school district and then hits the rest of the state.

Lakeville South returns many of the players who helped it win Class 4A last season.

Former Champlin Park volleyball coach John Yunker replaces Jackie Richter at Lakeville North this season.