Benilde-St. Margaret’s girls’ soccer program has been among the state’s elite in Class 1A the past seven years. It just hasn’t been able to claim it’s the best.

The top-ranked Red Knights (18-0-3) will have another opportunity to earn that distinction on Thursday. They will face No. 2-ranked Blake (20-1-0) for the title after shutting out Totino-Grace 3-0 in the semifinals of the state tournament on Monday afternoon at the Metrodome.

Benilde-St. Margaret’s is making its sixth state tournament appearance in the past seven years. It has been the runner-up twice (2005 and ’06), losing to Mahtomedi both times.

The Red Knights reached the finals with a dominating victory over fifth-rated Totino-Grace (14-5-2). It was their second victory over the Eagles this season, also beating them 1-0 in September on a goal with 14 seconds remaining.

They didn’t waste any time getting on the board this time around. Dana Buckhorn scored in the 11th minute. Her rocket from 23 yards caught Totino-Grace goalkeeper Danielle Kelliher flat-footed and beat her to the far upper corner.

“We got an early goal, and had it from there,” Buckhorn said. Benilde-St. Margaret’s outshot the Eagles 18-2. “They didn’t have many possessions.”

The Red Knights increased their lead to 2-0 when Peggy Renier scored early in the second half. Kelly Pannek added a penalty kick marker in the 70th minute.

“Our goal since the first day of practice has been to win the state tournament,” Buckhorn said. “We have never quite been able to do that.”

RON HAGGSTROM