By Emily Vojtech

The MSHSL Girls State Championship game took place on Saturday, June 17, at Stillwater Area High School between the Benilde St. Margaret’s Red Knights and the Edina Hornets. 

Edina made their first appearance to the state tournament for girls lacrosse. While Benilde is familiar with making an appearance at the state tournament, this was their first MSHSL state championship in program history. 

These two teams were in the top ten teams in the state throughout the season, but it was the first time they faced off this year. Edina was coming into the championship game with a record of: 16-2-0 and Benidle came into the game with the same record of: 16-2-0. 

The Hornets came out swarming to start the game. They got three quick goals to start the half. Benilde answered back with five goals to go up by two. Edina ended the half with two more goals to be up 6-5. 

The second half was a back and forth battle by both teams. With just over nine minutes left in the game, Benilde scored a goal tying the game 9-9. Benilde’s strong offense outscored Edina 6-4 in the second half, to win the game 11-10. 

Senior goaltender for Benilde St. Margaret’s, Brooke Nelson, made nine huge saves to keep the Red Knights in the game. Red Knight goals were scored by: Charlize Vang (3), Maggie Gracyk (3), Julia Evens (2), Lauren Hillins (1), Karsyn Elliott (1), and Katie Kroft (1).