Blake at Eden Prairie
7:30 p.m., Thursday, May 25

While scoring often takes the spotlight in lacrosse, solid play in the midfield and on defense are often as important to a victory.

Blake has a weapon in the middle of the field that has powered the Bears (7-5, 3-0) this season, and he may not need to score a goal to play a key role in leading the team to a victory on Thursday against Eden Prairie.

Junior midfielder Thomas Washington leads Blake in ground balls (64) and has won 100 of 140 faceoffs, giving his team the advantage in possession. The Bears hold the ball on average an impressive 71 percent of the time, and keeping the No. 3 Eagles away from attacking on offense could tip the scales in Blake's favor. 

Taking care of the scoring duties for the Bears are junior Bjorn Holm (32-9-41) and senior Jimmy Gruver (26-11-37). 

Eden Prairie has won six games since a 5-4 loss to No. 5 Benilde-St. Margaret's on April 27, making the Eagles (9-1, 8-0) undefeated in the month of May. 

Senior attacker and Notre Dame hockey commit Nicky Leivermann leads the Eagles in scoring with 19 goals and 33 points.