Prior Lake tennis has one goal, and that is final

The Prior Lake girls' tennis team hopes the third time's a charm.

The Lakers will be making their third consecutive appearance in the Class 2A state tournament next week at the Baseline Tennis Center on the University of Minnesota Campus. Their previous two trips resulted in semifinal losses.

This year's goal is a trip to the finals. The Lakers have been ranked No. 2, behind traditional power Edina, for most of the season in the coaches association poll. They are 14-1 on the year, with their only setback coming at the hands of Edina.

"The girls have handled the pressure of being ranked No. 2 well," Prior Lake coach Kris Schneider said. "We don't really talk about rankings as a team, however, because ultimately you just have to go out there and play."

The Lakers topped Eastview 5-2 in the Section 3 final.

"The girls really played well in the section final against Eastview," Schneider said.

Prior Lake finished third in the state tournament in 2012 and wound up fourth a year ago.

Lakeville South boys' and girls' swimming coach Rick Ringeisen was presented the Haun Award last weekend at the Minnesota State High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame & Awards Banquet in St. Louis Park. The award is named in honor of George Haun, founder and first president of the group in 1936.

The award is presented to an individual who makes significant contributions to the MSHSCA, high school sports, their local communities and life in general.

"I am deeply honored to be presented the Haun Award," Ringeisen said. "Through the years of coaching, I have enjoyed being on the sidelines and watching the athletes shine on the field and receive the recognition. From my perspective, the athletes deserve the attention. They are the ones putting in all the hard work.

"I have truly been blessed to have the greatest job in the world, that of being a teacher and coach."

In the spring, Ringeisen was inducted into the Minnesota Swimming Hall of Fame. He also went into the Panther Hall of Fame over the summer.

• Belle Plaine senior Janessa Meuleners was the girls' medalist in the Minnesota River Conference cross-country championships in Watertown-Mayer High School. She posted a winning time of 15:06.9 over the 4-kilometer course.