Eastview goaltender Andrew Koenen celebrates the Lightning's state championship with teammate Bradley Hogan. Photo by Helen Nelson
Eden Prairie's Nic Bentz (22) fires a shot at Eastview goaltender Andrew Koenen. Photo by Helen Nelson
Eastview fans show their support for the "Dark Army." Photo by Helen Nelson
Jake Heppner
Mr. Lacrosse winner Jake Heppner scored twice and added an assist -- all in the first quarter -- as Eastview took a lead it would never relinquish as the Lightning knocked off Eden Prairie 10-4 to win their first state championship in the program’s history and the first boys championship in any sport in the school's 16-year existence.
The Lightning struck early and with a vengeance, jumping out to a four-goal advantage and leading 7-2 at the half on Thursday, June 7, at Chanhassen High School in Chanhassen.
Eden Prairie was much more competitive in the second half, but the Eagles didn’t play well enough to muster a comeback.
The Eagles attacked the net and displayed great passing but Eastview goaltender Andrew Koenen stuffed them time and time again, stifling the high-powered offense and allowing four goals.
Koenen who made 16 saves, stopping a sterling 80 percent of shots faced.
Star attackman Ryan McNamara had a goal and an assist and had two shots while senior Erik Gage had a goal and three assists.
Junior Jake Woodring led Eden Prairie with three points (two goals, one assist) while midfielder Nic Bentz scored once and dished an assist.
Eagles’ goaltender Anthony Perkins only mustered three saves while allowing ten goals.
-- Walker Orenstein, MN Lax Hub staff
1. Jake Heppner, Eastview
What a finish for the Mr. Lacrosse winner. Last game, senior year, state championship game, and he comes up with a game-high four points on two goals and two assists. He was dominant early, and that was all the Lightning needed to capture the title.
2. Andrew Koenen, Eastview
Koenen was nothing short of fantastic, making 16 saves on 20 shots. Every time Eden Prairie would get rolling with long possessions and momentum, the senior goalie would come up with a save to bail Eastview out. Allowing one goal per quarter to the Eden Prairie's typically dynamic offense is quite the accomplishment.
3. Jake Woodring, Eden Prairie
The junior had a nice game for the Eagles and was the only one who found any success against Eastview’s defense and Koenen’s goaltending. He finished the night with two goals and an assist while firing 14 shots, two of which slammed into goalposts.
-- Walker Orenstein, MN Lax Hub staff
Section Playoffs