No. 3 Blake (14-4) vs. No. 1 Eden Prairie (17-1)
3:30 p.m. Saturday, Chanhassen High School
Why Eden Prairie will win: The two-time-defending champion Eagles have averaged 18.1 goals per game this season while yielding just 4.6 per game. Eden Prairie has defeated Blake the past four times they have played, dating to 2015, including a 19-13 victory over the Bears on May 25. Eden Prairie lost just once this season, to a nationally ranked team from Illinois.
Why Blake will win: The Bears have balanced scoring, with six players notching at least 29 goals. The team played the closest game of any Minnesota team against Eden Prairie this season. Plus, it will be motivated by last year's 11-9 loss to Eden Prairie in the state title game. "We're just pumped and motivated to show them that we can do it," junior Sara McClanahan said.
Key to watch: First-half scoring. Eden Prairie has outscored its two state-tournament opponents 24-1 in the first half. Blake and Eden Prairie were tied at halftime in last year's final.
Did you know? Eden Prairie and Blake have won each of the 10 Minnesota State High School League-sponsored state tournaments.
NATE GOTLIEB
