Bloomington Jefferson trailed Lakeville North 2-1 in the first quarter before a Malik Ekpenyong goal tied the score. The top-seeded Jaguars dominated from there, tallying 11 goals in a row against the fourth-seed Panthers to advance to Saturday’s state title against White Bear Lake with a 15-4 victory.

“For us it’s been stick to what we are, stick to Jefferson lacrosse. That’s playing fast on defense and playing together on offense,” coach Scott Cater said.

Ryan Graff led Jefferson with six points in the victory, followed by Ekpenyong who recorded five. The Jaguars had never been to the state tournament before this season but showed why they’re the undefeated (18-0) this.

“We have the parental support to pull it off this year,” Cater said. “We’re pushing these kids through right now.”

Jack Satzinger is a University of Minnesota student reporter on assignment for the Star Tribune.

Bloomington Jefferson trailed Lakeville North 2-1 in the first quarter Thursday night before a Malik Ekpenyong goal tied the score. The top-seed Jaguars didn’t look back from there, tallying 11 unanswered goals against the No. 4-seed Panthers to win 15-4 and advance to Saturday’s state championship against White Bear Lake.

Ryan Graff led Bloomington Jefferson with six points in the victory, followed by Ekpenyong who recorded five points. The Jaguars had never been to the state tournament before this season but showed why they’re the number-one seed this year in Thursday’s lopsided victory.