Among Eden Prairie’s eight wins this season was a 12-7 triumph over Minnetonka on April 24 when, this is not a misprint, the Skippers actually outscored the Eagles in the second half.

That might not seem like a big deal, but small victories must savored when playing either of the state’s two dominant girls’ lacrosse programs. 

Eden Prairie is 8-1 with the lone loss coming to Illinois powerhouse Loyola Academy. Minnetonka is 7-2 with the other loss coming against four-time defending state champion Blake. 

If there is a “next best” team in the state after Blake and Eden Prairie (The Big Two), it might just be Minnetonka. The Skippers certainly have star power in senior midfielder Ali Ridge, who has amassed 32 goals to rank fifth in the state. Her 48 points is sixth best state wide. 

We’ll see if Minnetonka can close the gap at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday when the Lake Conference rivals meet in the Game of the Week.

Tab over to see details on each game.