Third-seeded Minnetonka topped sixth-seeded Prior Lake 6-1 in the Section 2AA tennis quarterfinals May 13, bringing to an end one of the Lakers’ most successful seasons in program history.

Prior Lake finished 8-5 overall this year, recording its highest win total since 1993, and posted a program-best mark of 6-1 in the Missota Conference, which was good for second place – its best-ever showing.

“This has been a terrific year,” said Lakers head coach Corey Soukup. “We had three goals at the beginning of the season: win 10 matches, win the conference and advance in sections. If the weather would have cooperated, we would’ve gotten 10 wins, and we nearly won the conference.

“It was nice to have everyone step up and work toward those goals and to see that we can attain them through effort and hard work.”

The Lakers’ best effort wasn’t enough against a talented Minnetonka squad, however.

The Skippers had beaten Prior Lake 6-1 during the regular season, with the Lakers’ lone win coming from junior Florian Kunz at No. 4 singles.

In the section rematch on Tuesday, Kunz was again responsible for Prior Lake’s lone team point, rallying from a set down at No. 4 singles and claiming the decisive third set 12-10.

The Lakers lost each of the other six matches in straight sets.

“Minnetonka really took it to us,” Soukup said. “They have such a solid lineup all the way through that we would have had to play the best match of the year to have a chance. They dominated all positions and never gave us a chance to get any momentum going.

“It was important for us to play a high-level team like Minnetonka. We have had a great season, but to play up to the next level will motivate us to continue to get better.”

The Lakers had closed out the regular season by sweeping Farmington 7-0 on May 8, securing conference runner-up honors in the process. Holy Angels went undefeated en route to the Missota title.

Kunz, who won 6-0, 6-0 at No. 4 singles, and the No. 1 doubles team of juniors Brendan Rose and Karl Jacobsen, which won 6-0, 7-6 (7-5), capped off unbeaten seasons in conference play.

Senior Jarod Gengler, meanwhile, won 6-0, 6-0 at No. 1 singles.

“Jarod had his best match,” Soukup said. “Despite his struggles this year (in terms of win-loss record), he has really improved his overall game. Stepping into the No. 1 singles spot is a huge jump from No. 2, and he has learned more about his game this season than any other year.”

Junior Tyler Nelson (6-1, 6-3) and sophomore Matt Klein (6-3, 6-3) also won in straight sets at Nos. 2 and 3 singles, respectively.

Seniors Matt and Kevin Bruns won in straight sets (6-4, 6-2) at No. 2 doubles, as well, as did juniors Mike Dybvik and Brad Farrell at No. 3 doubles (6-3, 6-4).

The Lakers will now turn their attention to the Section 2AA individual tournament, which is slated to run May 23-27 at various locations.