Central Catholic enters tonight's Division 1 state volleyball championship match with a gaudy 22-0 record.
But if anything, New Bedford's resume is even more glittering.
The Whalers are also 22-0 and they boast a historic win over six-time defending state champion Barnstable in the South semifinals.
If anybody is going to knock off the Whalers, it's Central. And this is the year as New Bedford only has one senior.
Central, whose only loss last year was to Medfield in the Division 2 state final, has never played New Bedford.
At least officially.
The two tangled Oct. 10 in the 12-team Holyoke Showcase of Champions with New Bedford beating the Raiders in a tight title match, 2-1. Those matches, however, don't count toward MIAA records.
"I like our chances,'' said Raider coach Gannon Paris. "The girls are certainly excited. We want to get it right this time.''
Tonight's match (6 p.m. start) at Algonquin Regional in Northboro will feature two talent-laden clubs.
Central is taller, boasting 6-2 twin towers Katie Zenevitch (204 kills this year) and Kendall Desrosiers (174 kills), and more balanced. New Bedford relies heavily on its brilliant 6-foot junior middle hitter Maura Manley.
"She's a ferocious hitter and big leaper,'' said Paris of Manley. "She has some cuts in her arsenal, she's not just a banger. She's had 35-, 27- and 28-kill (matches). We'll use our height to try to take away some of Manley's offense.''
The recently announced 12-player Massachusetts Division 1 All-Star team features four players who'll be on the court: Central setter Carolyn Eddy (495 assists, 76 aces) and outside hitter Maggie Hillman (136 kills) and New Bedford's Manley and outside hitter Cheyenne Howard.
Football
Johnson back for Brooks
In one of the New England Prep matchups, surprising Brooks is taking on equally surprising Pingree in the Clark/Francis Bowl.
Brooks is giddy that multi-talented quarterback Jordan Johnson is back after missing last week's game with a concussion.
Pingree, which has only had a team for five years, is giving up just 7.3 points a game, although the Evergreen conference isn't on a par with the ISL.
Sophomore Kenny Adinkra and junior Brian Rogers rushed for two TDs apiece in last week's 46-0 shellacking of Dexter.
Cross country
Kowal, Stanley look to surprise
Methuen dominated Lowell until last week when the Red Raiders turned the tables at the EMass Division 1 meet.
The Rangers and Red Raiders hope to dethrone Mansfield today at the Division 1 States at Northfield.
Methuen's Jared Reddy, the runner-up last week, should be near the head of the pack.
Whittier's Bryan Stanley is looking for a breakout performance at the Division 2 States.
Haverhill could be in contention in the girls' Division 1 meet. Julie Solimine leads the Hillies while Central's Kelsey Kowal is also enjoying a big season.
Pentucket's Alanna Poretta is a runner to watch in Division 2.
The heroic story of Adam Taliaferro
Jason Babin tackles a different job for the day
Jason Babin believes in a Randy Moss comeback
Are there better WR options for the Eagles on the free-agent market?
The Sixers are able to hold off the lowly Bobcats
The Sixers showed maturity in closing out the Bobcats
Collins on not overlooking the Bobcats
Michael Eric's presence is undeniable for Temple
The Sixers are not taking anyone lightly
Spring training is right around the corner
Moving day: Phils' gear en route to Clearwater
Will the Flyers make a move at the trade deadline?
Timonen "disappointed" in teammates' effort
Morganti: 'Rangers' power play demolished the Flyers'
Timonen: 'I think we got half the guys going and half the guys not'
More shootout woes in store for the Flyers when they face the Red Wings?
The Rangers have the Flyers' number
St. Joseph's vs. Massachusetts Highlights - 2/11
Penn vs. Dartmouth Highlights - 2/11
Drexel vs. Hofstra Highlights - 2/11
Globe 10.0: Should the Patriots go all in this offseason?
Red Sox early arrivals in Fort Myers
Curran: Patriots had 'tepid' interest in Moss in '11
Ortiz, Red Sox meet in the middle
Merloni: Red Sox need another arm
Julien: In a 'must good-game' situation
Julien: 'did it the hard way'
McAdam's Spring Training primer
Doc: Team's effort is 'un-Celtic'
Pierce stresses mental toughness
Globe 10.0 Who was the best free agent in Boston?
Maria Menounos dons a Giants-colored bikini after losing Super Bowl bet-2/7
Thomas' moratorium: 'I'm out, peace'
Gasol: 'Not pleasant' being part of trade rumor
Blakely: Gasol-for-Rondo trade unlikely
Brady-ing is Latest Internet Meme
Globe 10.0: Is Paul Pierce the Celtics greatest scorer?
Ranking Pierce among Celtics greats
Garnett's tale of first meeting Paul Pierce
Pierce's loyalty touted after big night
