Edina is the team to beat in tennis

Could it actually happen?

As the girls' tennis state tournament begins play Tuesday, one of the certainties of high school sports in Minnesota, along with passionate hockey fans and crummy spring weather, seems a little less certain.

For nearly two decades, the Class 2A team tournament has showcased the sustained excellence of Edina's program. The Hornets' 54 consecutive state tournament match victories equates to a state-record 18 championships in a row. Of the 42 previous girls' tennis state tournaments, Edina has won 33. State titles are expected, buoyed by the motivation of keeping the magnificent streak alive.

There are signs, however, that the streak might be a little wobbly.

Prior Lake, not Edina, is the No. 1 seed in Class 2A. The Lakers lost to the Hornets in the 2014 finals but announced their intent on the 2015 crown with a 5-2 victory over the Hornets in early September.

Prior Lake coach P.J. Priest acknowledged that a regular-season victory over Edina doesn't mean the Lakers are suddenly the favorites.

"We know they are still the team to beat," said Priest, who added, "It gave our team confidence. We now know we can play right with them if we are on our game."

So, what does the triangular set of triumphs mean?

"It means there are three teams that have a good chance to win," Mahtomedi coach Justen Seim said. "There might be more than that. [No. 4-seeded] Eagan is very good and Rochester Mayo is kind of playing under the radar."

Of course, thinking you can beat Edina is a prerequisite for being a state tournament team. "We think we can win this," Seim said. "Why even play if you don't think you can win?"

Accomplishing it is a much more difficult task. Edina coach Steve Paulsen, who has been at the helm of the 18-year run, is accustomed to his team being a target at state tournament time. The key to Edina's success, Paulsen said, is making sure everyone on his team is equally invested in the outcome.

"The positions that hold the key are [Nos.] 1 to 4 singles and 1 to 3 doubles," Paulsen said. "We really do preach that each position is equally important."

Paulsen added that the loss to Prior Lake may have worked in the Hornets' favor. "I do believe it motivated the girls a bit," he said. "It didn't detract from our goal of winning the state championship."

Still, there is a belief that Edina's air of invincibility may be weakening.