For The Dialog
For an opening weekend, there are certainly some key matchups as the girls get started in field hockey and volleyball.
Field hockey
Friday
Middletown vs. Padua, 3:45 p.m. at Forbes Field. The Pandas host the Cavaliers in a great early season match up. Padua surrendered just five goals last year in a great 13-1-1 season. 
Middletown was a good offensive team and look for a trip to the postseason this year.
St. Georges Tech at Ursuline, 3:45 p.m. The Raiders lost a lot of seniors from a playoff team last year but they get seven of their first eight at home as they look to build confidence. The Hawks will be a good team fighting for the Blue Hen Conference Flight B championship.
Archmere at Concord, 3:45 p.m. The Auks just missed the playoffs and want to start the season strong against a good Raiders team that will fight for the Blue Hen Conference Flight A title.
Saturday
Caesar Rodney at St. Mark’s, 11 a.m. The Spartans are looking to improve this year, and they get a good test at home to start the season.
Volleyball
Friday
St. Mark’s at St. Georges Tech, 6:15 p.m. The Spartans (preview) look for the road win against the 
Hawks to start the season.
Appoquinimink at Archmere 6:15 p.m. The third-ranked Auks start the season at home with a stiff test from the Jaguars.
Saturday
Padua at St. Paul VI (Va.), 1 p.m. No. 2 Padua travels to Virginia for its annual showdown with St. Paul VI. The Pandas (preview) lost there two years ago but look for the road win this year.
St. Elizabeth’s at Caesar Rodney, 1:15 p.m. The Vikings (preview) beat the Riders at home last year, but winning on the road will be a tough test.
