GIRLS’ LACROSSE CHAMPIONSHIP
No. 2 LAKEVILLE SOUTH vs. No. 1 EDEN PRAIRIE
5 p.m., Minnetonka High School
Why Lakeville South will win: There’s a reason the Cougars are undefeated; what they do well, they do better than any other team in the state. It starts with a high-scoring offense (291 goals) led by Logan Halvorson and Maddy Canny, who have combined to score more than 140 goals. Less heralded but no less accomplished is a defense that uses speed to cut off opponents’ attacks and quickly transition them into offensive opportunities of their own. “Our offense gets all the attention, but our defense has been great all year,” Cougars coach Patrick Crandall said.
Why Eden Prairie will win: The Eagles’ combination of skill and experience is hard to pick against. They were outplayed for much of their semifinal game by Stillwater, but showed a level of skill that few teams can match in rallying for an overtime victory. Eden Prairie has so many weapons — six players have more than 30 goals, led by Jessica Lagerquist’s 65 — that opponents rarely have enough on defense to stop them all.
Key to watch: The ball control of Lakeville South. The Cougars’ semifinal victory over Blake was largely due to the transition play of midfielder Janna Haeg, who played the position like a basketball point guard, breaking down defenses and setting up the Cougars’ offense. Limiting Eden Prairie’s offensive opportunities will be vital to Lakeville South’s hopes to win.
Did you know? Lakeville South is making its first championship game appearance, Eden Prairie its eighth.
JIM PAULSEN