A season ago, Stillwater won its first Suburban East Conference crown and had all the looks of a team ready to make its first appearance in the state boys' lacrosse tournament. But the Ponies' dream of state ended when they lost to Mahtomedi 11-10 in the Section 4 final.
On Thursday, Stillwater, ranked No. 9 in the coaches' poll from April 11, faces No. 10 Mahtomedi for the first time since that one-goal loss. With the Ponies having revenge on their minds and this matchup having an impact on potential seeding for this year's section tournament, there is no question this is our Top Game of the Week.
The Ponies' strength early this season will come on the offensive end. Senior attackman and Mercer commit Blake Evensen and junior midfielder Nelson Summary return to the lineup after combining for 63 goals a season ago. Junior midfielder Ty Thureson, who's played for the Ponies' varsity since eighth grade, returns as a solid two-way player. He had a goal and assist in last season's section final.
Mahtomedi opens its season with Stillwater and has its sights set on improving on last season's fourth-place finish at the state tournament.
The Zephyrs' biggest losses will likely be graduated seniors Timmy Lindquist and Josh Campbell. The duo had six of Mahtomedi's 11 goals in the win over Stillwater and combined for 89 goals last year. The Zephyrs also graduated goalie Brodi Larson, who had a .504 save percentage in 2018.
Mahtomedi has some offensive punch back, however, with Connor Stoker. The senior attackman tallied 45 goals and 20 assists last season. The Zephyrs also bring back third-team all-state faceoff specialist Colin Hagstrom. The junior won 72 percent of his faceoffs a season ago.