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Lacrosse state tournament preview

By Star Tribune, 06/13/16, 9:47PM CDT

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Aleah Fjelstad (8) of Prior Lake fought for control of a loose ball in the first half. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ cgonzalez@startribune.com - May 23, 2016, Prior Lake, MN, Prior Lake High School / Prep girls' lacrosse. Prior Lake vs. Rosemount

BOYS

When, where: Quarterfinals Tuesday, semifinals Thursday, championship Saturday. Tuesday at Minnetonka High School, Thursday at Chanhassen High School, Saturday at Chanhassen

The big picture: Lakeville North (14-2) is the No. 1 seed. The Panthers were 3-1 against state tournament teams, including a victory over quarterfinal opponent Eagan. Neither championship game participant a year ago, champion White Bear Lake and runner-up Bloomington Jefferson, reached the tournament.

Tournament newcomers: Anoka (15-1), Prior Lake (12-4) and Tartan (15-1). The Lakers upset No. 2-ranked Edina to reach the state tournament after two consecutive section final losses.

Players to watch: The tournament features four of the 12 Minnesota Coaches Association All-Americans: Luke Anderson (Lakeville North), Ama Batra (Wayzata), Jack Dessler (Prior Lake) and Jackson Zaugg (Eden Prairie).

GIRLS

What, where: Quarterfinals Tuesday, semifinals Thursday, championship Saturday. Tuesday at Chanhassen High School, Thursday at Minnetonka High School, Saturday at Chanhassen

The big picture: No. 1 seed Eden Prairie (15-1) returns to defend its state title. The Eagles’ lone loss came against Loyola Academy (Ill.). They handed No. 2 seed Prior Lake (15-1) its only loss of the season. Two additional teams with 15-1 records are No. 4 seed Stillwater and No. 5 seed Maple Grove.

Tournament newcomers: Blaine (10-6) and Cretin-Derham Hall (13-3).

Players to watch: Five of the seven Ms. Lacrosse finalists led their teams to the state tournament: Annie Lyman (Blake), Sara Woodring (Eden Prairie), Ashley Norberg and Aleah Fjelstad (Prior Lake) and Carly Fedorowski (Stillwater). In addition, Stillwater’s Katie Lottsfeldt is one of two finalists for the Jake Anderson Award, given to the state’s top senior goaltender.

DAVID LA VAQUE