Blake yielded nine second-half goals in its first meeting against Prior Lake last month, a 15-7 loss last month.
It tightened up defensively in their rematch Thursday in the state tournament semifinal, defeating the Lakers 10-9 behind a second-half rally at Chanhassen High School.
Sara McClanahan scored the game-winning goal with about two seconds left. Teammates Georgia Nolan, Sophie Skallerud and Emily Johnsrud each scored twice, leading Blake to its 10th championship-game appearance in the past 11 years.
“We wanted to show everyone that that’s not who we are,” McClanahan said of Blake’s loss to Prior Lake on May 22. “We really worked our butts off to get ready for this game, and it definitely payed off.”
Blake trailed 8-5 midway through the second half before rallying with four goals, with Johnsrud scoring the go-ahead goal with 3:47 left. Prior Lake tied the game with about 33 seconds remaining, however, on a goal by Sarah Pierson, her fifth of the game.
Blake’s Nellie Ide won the ensuing draw, and McClanahan held the ball before her final shot.
The loss for Prior Lake came in its third consecutive trip to the state tournament. The Lakers lost to Blake in last year’s semifinals.
“I think a lot of the girls played a great game,” Prior Lake coach Ali Minelli-Fenstermacher said, “but we need to just be a little bit smarter with how we play.”
NATE GOTLIEB
First report
Photo gallery: Blake vs. Prior Lake
Blake’s Sara McClanahan scored with about two seconds left in the game to give the Bears a 10-9 victory against Prior Lake in the girls' lacrosse state seminals on Thursday at Chanhassen.
Blake (14-4) scored four consecutive goals midway through the second half to take a 9-8 lead. Prior Lake’s Sarah Pierson tied the game at 9 with about 33 seconds left with her fifth goal of the game.
Sophie Skallerud scored three goals for Blake, and Emily Johnsrud and Georgia Nolan added two each. Lauren Wick second three for Prior Lake (16-2).
Check back later for more on the game.