The long wait is over for Minneapolis Washburn.

The Millers’ are heading back to the state tournament for the first time in 30 years after defeating Blake 4-0 in the Class 1A, Section 3 championship at Washburn High School on Tuesday. 

Eleanor Colbert, Morgan Cottew, Lucia Renikoff and Maya Rajacich each scored a goal in the victory and helping extend the Millers’ unbeaten streak to 18 games.

“It’s amazing,” Colbert said. “I wouldn’t want to do it with any other team, I’ve never been on a team like this. We’re a big family and it makes it better we’re all in it together.”

For the second time this season, Washburn topped Blake. The Millers recorded a 3-0 victory over the Bears in the regular-season finale on Oct. 2. 

Washburn co-head coach Reuben Ndely said the Bears always give the Millers a difficult game.

“They’ve always been tough,” he said. “They’re a very good team. The coaches give us a very good game every time we play them, whether if it’s in the regular season or not.”

Blake defeated Washburn 1-0 in the section finals last season and was the last time an opponent held the Millers scoreless.

Washburn hasn’t had a problem scoring this season. The Millers are outscoring opponents 91-2, but an increase in scoring is not the only reason for Washburn’s success. 

Team chemistry is a factor, Colbert said.

“Last year, people were calling it our ‘rebuilding year,’” Colbert said. “(This year is) like playing with 21 of your best friends. It’s like one big family, which has pushed it over the edge this year.” 

Experience is also key, Ndely said. The Millers have 10 seniors on the varsity roster and hope that experience will result in the program winning its first state title since 1981.     

Washburn has the talent to reach the state tournament finals, but it won’t be easy as none of the team’s current players were born the last time the Millers played for a state title, Colbert said.

“Hopefully, we’ll get to the finals,” Colbert said. “But we’ve never been to state before, so we’ll have to see what the teams are like.”

Eleanor Colbert, Morgan Cottew and Lucia Renikoff each scored a first-half goal, helping Minneapolis Washburn extend its undefeated streak and clinch a state tournament berth with a 4-0 victory over Blake in the Class 1A, Section 3 championship game at Washburn High School on Tuesday.

Colbert opened the Millers’ scoring, netting a goal with 27 minutes, 22 seconds remaining in the first half. 

Cottew scored nearly 12 minutes later and Renikoff tallied a goal less than a minute before halftime.

Maya Rajacich scored with 1:20 remaining in the game for Washburn, ranked No. 1 in the Minnesota High School Soccer Coaching Association’s Class 1A poll. 

The Millers (18-0) are returning to the state tournament for the first time since 1984.

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