Boys', girls' lacrosse state tournament previews

What: Quarterfinals Tuesday, semifinals Thursday, championship Saturday

Where: Tuesday at Chaska High School, Thursday and Saturday at Chanhassen High School

Defending champion: Second-seeded Eden Prairie returns after defeating Eastview 9-8 in last year's title game on a goal by midfielder J.D. Spielman with 12.4 second remaining. The Eagles lost championship games in 2007, 2008, 2011 and 2012.

Tournament newcomers: Top-seeded Rosemount, No. 5 seed Lakeville North and Mahtomedi.

Favorite: Rosemount emerged from the South Suburban Conference and Section 3 — both considered the state's toughest. It avenged its only loss of the season by defeating Prior Lake 11-10 in the section championship.

Players to watch: The dynamic Spielman, a sophomore, returns for Eden Prairie, as does Mr. Lacrosse finalist Charlie Venable at attack. Rosemount senior twins Conner and Carter Yepsen, also Mr. Lacrosse finalists, are midfielders who fuel the Irish offense.

What: Quarterfinals Tuesday, semifinals Thursday, championship Saturday

Defending champion: Top-seeded Blake has won four consecutive state tournament titles and five of the seven championships since the event became sponsored by the Minnesota State High School League.

Tournament newcomer: Maple Grove

Favorite: This year's Blake team is undefeated against Minnesota competition and could be the best in program — and state — history.

Players to watch: Blake senior midfielder and Ms. Lacrosse finalist Lydia Sutton is the two-time Star Tribune All-Metro Player of the Year and state coaches' association Player of the Year. Senior midfielder Katie Larson of third-seeded Apple Valley, also a Ms. Lacrosse finalist, leads the state with 83 goals.