Prep athletes of the week: Blake lacrosse's Erin Lee analyzes her way to offensive success

ERIN LEE

Blake • lacrosse

From Lee's position as a low attacker, content to spend as much time roaming behind the opponent's goal as she does in front, the vantage point is the best part.

The junior contends she cannot only see the action on the offensive zone develop, she can exert control as well. She can set up the attack and make the crucial pass, and the opportunity to score is always there.

Lee had a prolific offensive week, scoring 12 goals and assisting on six others as the Bears routed Hill-Murray 18-6 and defeated longtime rival Eden Prairie 15-10.

"As a low attacker, I can see the field better," she said. "It makes it easier to pass the ball."

Not to mention, the position doesn't require the long, length-of-the-field runs that come with playing midfield. "That's not my style," Lee said. "I'm more of an analyst, taking everything in and seeing where the ball should go."

For many years, the Blake/Eden Prairie matchup was the premier rivalry in girls' lacrosse. Other programs have caught up, but it remains the biggest game of the season for the Bears.

Lee, who had five goals and an assist in the game, said the Bears had a little extra jump for the game.

"It's still a great rivalry. The competitive fire is still there," she said. "Before the game, we all wanted to make sure we played our hardest. It's such a fun environment."

JOE IMS

Providence Academy • lacrosse

Tasked with shutting down the opponent's top scorer, the junior defender has been playing at a high level for much of the season. In three games, he forced 13 turnovers, giving him 53 on the year, and scooped up 20 ground balls.

AVERY LIESTMAN

Litchfield • baseball

The senior pitcher was in control in a 2-0 no-hit victory over New London-Spicer. He struck out 12 batters, walked one and faced only 22 batters, one over the minimum, and never let a runner reach second base.

BENNETT MANLEY

Southwest Christian • baseball

The senior pitcher threw a complete game in a 4-0 shutout victory over Providence Academy. He struck out 12, walked one and scattered six hits. He added an inning of shutout relief in a victory over Le Sueur-Henderson.

SOPHIE SMITH

North Branch • softball

The senior third baseman stood out as the Vikings won four of five last week. She hit .500 in 18 plate appearances, with one home run, nine RBI, four runs scored and two stolen base. On defense, she flawlessly handled 10 chances in the field.

BETHANY WEISS

Forest Lake • softball

The sophomore infielder has been wielding a hot bat for the better part of two weeks. In her past seven games, she had 15 hits in 24 at-bats with two home runs and 15 RBI, helping the Rangers extend their winning streak to 11 games.

SHAINA ZINTER

Concordia Academy • track and field

It's been a remarkable spring for the junior. Over the past two weeks, she's had 12 first-place finishes in three meets and set school records in the 200 (25.08), 400 (56.96), 100 hurdles (14.30) and 300 hurdles (42.54).

JIM PAULSEN

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