Good thing Robyn Lipschultz became a girls’ lacrosse goalie.

The Blake School’s first-year goalie had a game-high six saves in the Bears’ 12-10 victory over Prior Lake (14-2) in the state semifinal at Minnetonka High School.

Lipschultz, who also plays soccer goalie at Blake, had plenty of big-game experience going in. She played in the 2013 girls’ soccer state championship game.

“She’s got the instincts,” Blake coach Sarah Fellows said. 

She also got offensive support with Blake’s 8-1 run in the first half. Shannon Ellis, Sophie Skallerud and Annie Lyman each scored twice.

Prior Lake rallied big in the second half to cut the lead to 9-8. Ashley Norberg scored three of her four goals for the Lakers in that stretch.

“The girls just had to take it over,” Lakers coach Ali Minelli-Fenstermacher said.

Blake lost in last year’s semifinal after winning five consecutive state championships, and didn’t want a repeat. Johnsrud scored followed by Lyman’s goal for an 11-8 edge. 

“Eight minutes left and you can go to the state championship game, or eight minutes left and you cannot,” Fellows recalled telling her team. “They just really decided they wanted this game and turned it on.”

Next up is another shot at a championship on Saturday in Chanhassen.

“It’s been our goal all season long to get back into this game,” Fellows said.

Blake won't sit at home for the girls' lacrosse state championship game this year.

A quick heat-up by the Bears' offense and ball control late iced Prior Lake's comeback hopes in a 12-10 victory on Thursday in a semifinal game at Minnetonka High School.

After an early goal by Prior Lake, the Bears rolled with an 8-1 run for the rest of the first half. Shannon Ellis, Sophie Skallerud and Annie Lyman each scored twice for the Bears. Emma Burke and Emily Johnsrud also padded the lead.

Skallerud scored again in the second half, giving her a hat trick and the Bears a 9-2 lead. Then Bears began to take their time with the ball.

Prior Lake did quite the opposite on offense, getting six goals to cut the lead to 9-8. But the Lakers couldn't get any closer.

Blake had won five consecutive state titles before losing to Lakeville South in last year's semifinals. The championship will be played on Saturday in Chanhassen.

Check back for more of the game.