In the end, the early returns proved spot-on.
A Wayzata victory appeared to be a certainty not long after the final began Wednesday, but matters got much more competitive quickly. The Trojans persevered for a 5-2 victory over Rochester Mayo, winning the team title in the Class 2A boys tennis state tournament at Baseline Tennis Center.
After a regular season in which the No. 1-ranked Trojans did not lose a match to a team from Minnesota — their only loss was to New Trier of Winnetka, Ill., in April — expectations were high. They've been on the cusp of a state championship for the past four years, going back to 2020, when COVID-19 likely robbed them of their first state title since 2019.
In 2021, they lost to rival Edina in the final, and last year they collapsed after a strong start in a loss to eventual state champion Orono in the section final.
With a roster headed up by 6-7 Collin Beduhn, the state's No. 1 singles player, this was the title Wayzata simply could not let slip away.
"This was four years in the making," said coach Jeff Prondzinski, in his 21st year as head coach. "So this is one of those days when you feel relief. You feel good for the seniors, that they get the chance to enjoy it."
Wayzata started the final with purpose, winning quickly at Nos. 2 and 3 singles. The Trojans were winning the first set in every other match, and it looked like the end would come quickly.
Then Mayo dug in.