It was not the first time Edina sophomore Maddie Boyer finished a season winning the state girls tennis tournament, and as part of a 15-time defending championship team, it might not be the last.

Still, don’t think the Hornets’ annual fall tradition is getting old.

“It’s still a big deal,” Boyer said. “Everyone keeps asking, because it’s the 15th, if it’s not a big deal anymore. But it’s still really, really exciting.”

Edina defeated Rochester Mayo 5-2 on Wednesday at the University of Minnesota Baseline Tennis Center, and in doing so the Hornets extended a state winning streak that dates back to 1996. 

Coach Steve Paulsen said this streak has to do with commitment. The girls understand what it takes to succeed each year, and they put in the work year-round to make it happen.

“The kids all take ownership of that tradition and know that to continue they need to get back to work,” he said. “But they also enjoy the ride, too. They enjoy the journey.”

Boyer has been on the past three championship teams. She said aside from the team’s yearly state traditions—which the team keeps secret—one thing that runs through each season is that the older players help make sure the younger girls stay calm and enjoy the moment.

“The first year, I was really, really nervous,” she said. “I didn’t really know what to expect, but all my teammates were really supportive and they still are.”

Paulsen’s biggest joy? Seeing the team not only succeed, but watching the memories form along the way.

“They begin apart of a group that is striving for a goal,” he said. “But all the things they do off the court, too, that’s pretty cool to see. All the friendships they gain.”

INDIVIDUAL RESULTS

No. 1 singles: EDINA Caroline Ward def. MAYO Kylie Boyer 6-0, 6-2

No. 2 singles: EDINA Meghana Vasireddy def. MAYO Kate Rosenow 6-1, 6-2

No. 3 singles: EDINA Maddie Boyer def. MAYO Marika Pitot 6-1, 6-4

No. 4 singles: EDINA Kelly Reger def. MAYO Christina Hagan 6-2, 6-2

No. 1 doubles: EDINA Morgan Marinovich & Mackenzie Marinovich def. MAYO Paige Becher & Jacqueline Cliby 6-4, 6-3

No. 2 doubles: MAYO Delany Edwards & Meryl Nath def. EDINA Meghan Herring & Julia Povilaitis 6-2, 6-2

No. 3 doubles: MAYO Samantha Francis & Laura Cattaneo def. EDINA Hannah Hankinson & Katie Engelking 4-6, 6-4, (10-7)