With five straight State championship appearances, new artificial turf and a record-breaking season, junior captain Carlos Siguenza has one item left on his to-do list—winning his first State title.

“We’ll have to improve our defense” Siguenza said. “But our coach knows the game better than anybody else, and I am confident we can do it.”

A 1998 State champion himself, head coach Kevin Reed said beating number one ranked Shattuck-St. Mary’s and watching new players develop into a new team identity have been the highlights of the season.

“The most exciting part is watching the young players grow up right in front of my eyes,” Reed said. “Our strong youth helps lead a high tempo, high energy offense.”

With a record of 20-3, the team finished ranked third in the Minnesota Boys’ Scholastic Lacrosse Association (MBSLA) heading into the postseason.

The team began the postseason by beating Waconia 19-1 on May 30. Siguenza led the team with eight points scoring four goals and assisting four more. In the State quarterfinals, Park beat Montiquois 17-6 June 3. Siguenza leads the team this season with 55 assists and 91 total points. He was named an MBSLA All-American June 3.

Reed said he is very proud with Siguenza’s play through the season, and said he is very deserving of the All-American selection.

“We’ve never had an All-American,” Reed said. “Siguenza dominates the pace of the game and is a natural leader on and off the field.”
Sophomore attacker Matt Harkema leads the State with 46 goals in the regular season. Matt Harkema said the team must reduce penalties and play smart.

“Without penalties, we can get much longer possessions,” Harkema said. “When we play disciplined, we do not have to rely on our defense to win us the game.”

Goalie Will Harkema, one of the few seniors on the team, finished the season fourth in the State with a .669 save percentage.

“As a goalie, it is the best feeling walking off the field as a winner,” Will Harkema said. “After playing together for multiple years, we really know each other well. I can’t believe it’s almost over, I will really miss it.”

Reed agrees with Matt Harkema, and said the team must stay structured, organized and penalty-free in order to win State.

“The disadvantage to young, talented players is their lack of experience,” Reed said. “We can’t take penalties and play erratic. Strong defense is the difference between playoff teams, and championship teams.”

In addition to Siguenza’s All-American selection, Matt Harkema was selected as an All-State attacker. Eighth-grader Brody Ilstrup, juniors Henry Albrecht and Joey Kramer and senior Eric Speicher were All- Conference selections.

Park played Duluth June 5. The game was being played when the Echo went to press June 4. If Park won, the team will play the winner of Hudson vs. Becker June 8.