That old rallying cry from state tournament newcomers about not being satisfied just making the dance? The Prior Lake boys’ lacrosse team proved its big dreams are sincere.

The upstart Lakers overcame a halftime deficit against state tournament stalwart Eden Prairie and finished strong in a 9-7 victory. 

Junior Carter Collins scored his fifth goal of Thursday’s state tournament semifinal at Chanhassen High School, this one with 36.1 seconds left, to leave no doubt.

The No. 2 seed Lakers (14-4) advance to play No. 1 seed Lakeville North (16-2) in the championship game at 6 p.m. Saturday. It’s also the Panthers’ first title game.

“We made history already by going to state and we weren’t going to stop there,” Collins said.

First, Prior Lake needed to regroup. In the first half, players didn’t run called plays or move the ball at times.

Meanwhile, No. 3 seed Eden Prairie (12-6) got hot. Junior Connor Olson scored three quick goals and the Eagles’ led 5-3 at halftime.

Eden Prairie coach Ryan Ward credited Prior Lake for taking over in the third quarter. Three unanswered goals – two from Collins – restored a 6-5 edge.

“He wants the ball on his stick and he’s not going to quit,” Prior Lake coach Chris Fleck said. “Our track coaches want him because he’s the fastest kid in our school.”

Eden Prairie’s Eric Friswold tied the game 6-6 in the fourth quarter but goals from Collins and Matt Denman put Prior Lake ahead to stay.

Prior Lake is making its state tournament debut count.

The Lakers edged Eden Prairie 9-7 Thursday in the boys’ lacrosse state tournament semifinal at Chanhassen High School. They advance to play in the championship game at 6 p.m. Saturday at Chanhassen.

Each team scored in waves. Down 3-1, No. 3 seed Eden Prairie (12-6) rattled off four consecutive second quarter goals. Connor Olson scored three times in one minute and 11 seconds and the Eagles’ led 5-3 at halftime.

Back came No. 2 seed Prior Lake (14-4), scoring three times in the third quarter for a 6-5 edge. Carter Collins completed the hat trick with two goals in that span.

Eden Prairie’s Eric Friswold tied the game 6-6 in the fourth quarter but goals from Collins and Matt Denman put Prior Lake ahead to stay.

Check back later for more on the game.