#1 St. Paul Johnson won their ninth team title with a 6-1 win over #2 Washington. With the win the Governors broke an eight all tie with Harding for the top of the heap in state titles. This is the fourth straight title, which ties Johnson with Burnsville (1996-99); Harding (2006-2009) and themselves (2010-13). During the decade of the 2010s Johnson has eight titles now with Central’s 2014 win the exception.

Today the Governors opened with a sweep of #8 Edina. The Hornets were able to squeeze out a set win at second doubles. Next the Govs downed #4 seed Como Park 5-2. The Cougars two wins came in the top two doubles spots. There were two three setters with both teams claiming one: Johnson’s win came at second singles; Como’s at first doubles. That contest was perhaps the most riveting of the day. It very well could have been a preview of the state title match. Como is the #1 seed and the Johnson pair are #2. The final set in that match today was 21-19. Bao Nhia Thao’s win at second singles was not as tight at 21-11.

In the title match Johnson swept the singles once again. Bao Nhia Thao needed three sets for her win with Jansaree Na. That match was delayed as Na’s leg cramped up. The last two doubles also went long with Washington picking up their win at second doubles. This match also featured seven two point sets, four of which went to extra points at 22-20.

Interesting fact: All eight teams today were also the same eight teams at the Edina Invitational to start the season in March.

WHAT I SAW AT 1ST SINGLES TODAY

I opened with a three set match with host Burnsville’s Rachel Waterman topping Harding’s Jumy Miko 18-21, 21-13, 21-19. Waterman scored the final three points in the third set for the win.

I then followed Miko to the semifinal match against Washington’s Be Be Say. Miko won in two close matches 21-18, 21-17. Miko scored the last three points in set one for the win.  Miko trailed 17-14 in the second set when she scored the last seven points.

That meant I followed Say to the title match with #1 seed Nou Chee Yang of Johnson. The first set was back and forth with Yang the only player to generate runs. The first set was tied at 19 after a Say ace, but Yang held off the hard charging Eagle with the next two points capped by a seven point soft drive on what was a potential smash. By that time Say had played six sets on the day, Yang was about to play number six. Say’s gas tank was near empty. Yang opened with the first five points in the second set and then added a six point run on her third service (12-2). The fist set was a grueling eight minutes. The final set just over five minutes. Yang controlled the court with Say making lunging strides to pick up the bird.

The lessons for all players heading into Thursday: make sure you get your rest. Make sure you are hydrated, and have the right food to fuel your efforts.