The Hopkins Royals (15-7) open play in the 4A state tournament on Thursday in North Mankato vs. top-seed Rosemount. This is a rematch of a tightly contested regular season game that the Irish won.

***Click the video box above to watch the 5-Eyewitness News aircheck featuring Hopkins***

KSTP Sports attended a Royals practice on Monday and spoke with coach Carl Yancy, star senior pitcher Signe Dohse, and senior 3B Lola Jessen.

***Click the video box below to watch those interviews, in full***

Hopkins lost in the state quarterfinals in 2021, and finished in 3rd place last year. With double-digit seniors, the Royals are hoping this third straight state trip is the recipe to achieve their ultimate goal.

Dohse will play for Northwestern next season.