Forest Lake's Brooke Glumack, left, and Breck's Eloise Cherian, right, battled for the ball during the first half of the quarterfinal game at Minnetonka High School. Photo: ELIZABETH FLORES • liz.flores@startribune.com
The pregame message from Breck coach Ashley Nelsen was not uncommon considering the circumstances, but it certainly resonated with senior forward Polly Burns on Tuesday at Minnetonka High School.
Burns scored a career-high five goals, stepping forward to counter a physical defense and help Breck slip past Forest Lake 10-9.
“Coach said for the seniors, this our last week ever playing lacrosse,” Burns said. “It hit me hard and made me realize I just had to give it my all.”
Said Nelson, “It was a good day to have a good game, don’t you think? We’re super proud of her coming up big.”
The first quarterfinal game of the day matched two first-time entrants to the tournament. Coupled with a steady rain that fell throughout, it made the game a more of a slog than Breck, the No. 3 seed, would have preferred.