“Get on the bus, let’s go home,” Wayzata coach Chad Herr said to his team.
 
About an hour and 45 minutes elapsed since lightning first suspended play in the Section 8 final at Brooklyn Park with Wayzata leading Maple Grove 11-5 with five minutes remaining Wednesday night. Word finally reached the coach that the game would be called, and the victory was sealed for the Trojans.
 
Not a ceremonious way to celebrate another a state tournament berth, but it mattered little to the Trojans. They quickly walked to the bus in a steady rain, content with a six-goal victory over previously undefeated Maple Grove. 
 
“Our boys played a good game, without a lot of mistakes,” Herr said. “Our goal was to limit turnovers and make [Maple Grove] beat us. We played fundamental lacrosse with tough defense, and we came out ahead.”
 
Wayzata scored first and never trailed as Dalton Seesz finished with five goals, and Brayden Nelson added three as the Trojans, who are ranked No. 11 in the state coaches' poll, rolled through the second half with firm control of the contest.
 
A furious second half pushed Wayzata further ahead, and into the state tournament for a second straight year and third time in the past four.
 
No. 9 Maple Grove (15-1), who came into the Section 8 final unbeaten, fell behind early, and after rallying to catch up with Wayzata twice, fell behind before halftime as things began to unravel.
 
“We’ve started slow before this season and it hasn’t served us well,” Herr said. “It was important here to start strong and to keep it going.”
 
Wayzata (11-4) worked patiently and effectively in the offensive zone, and moved the ball fluidly on the wings and from behind the net before waiting for its chances to spring.
 
“Maple Grove has a lot of talent, but we’re trying to take advantage of some mismatches against young players,” Herr said. “We kept attacking, and it worked out well for us.”

Maple Grove was led by Hunter House's two goals.

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