Breck and Edina may be on the verge of whetting their appetite for a state title. Both are ranked in the May 15 state coaches' poll, a good sign that one or both are in position to see their state tournament drought get washed away this season.
But neither can let their thirst for postseason success drown the desire for a strong finish to the regular season, which happens when they meet Thursday in our Top Game of the Week.
Breck (8-2, 2-0) has had no problems being a contender in the Section 5 playoffs. The Mustangs have been regular participants in the semifinals, and they reached the championship the past two seasons, but they were unable to break Blake's hold on the section title.
Breck led Blake 9-4 at halftime of last year's section title tilt, but the Mustangs couldn't corral the Bears, who made a second-half comeback to record a 12-10 loss.
That blemish could become a distant memory with a section title this season — a real possibility given Breck's impressive regular-season run. The No. 4 Mustangs have lost just twice — against No. 1 Eden Prairie (21-9 on April 23) and in overtime to No. 3 Chanhassen (13-12 on May 17). They also have a victory over the rival Bears (12-7 on May 2) among their eight wins.
Anyone following the Mustangs can't spend much time describing the team's offense without mentioning Eloise Cherian, a 40-goal scorer this year. The senior has tallied at least two goals in every game, including a season-high seven against Bloomington Jefferson on May 11.
Edina's year has been much more chaotic.
The Hornets (7-4, 5-2) have fought through one of the toughest schedules in the state, thanks to its Lake Conference membership. Each of No. 6 Edina's losses came against teams ranked in the top 10.
The Hornets will need to find some consistency as they prepare for Section 6 play, where they may meet Apple Valley, Prior Lake or Bloomington Jefferson. So how can the Hornets pack more pain in their sting?
Getting more shots on goal could help generate more offense. In each of their losses this season, the Hornets averaged just 8.5 shots on goal. But in their seven wins, the attack produced nearly 15 shots.
Sophomore Haley Reeck has been a big weapon for the Hornets offense with 45 goals this season.