So can the Lakers get back to the title game this year and finish the job? There's plenty of talent back, including their top-four hitters who each hit over .400 last year.

Haefner is confident his team will hit again this spring. The Lakers averaged 8.6 runs per game last year. But who will lead?

Haefner said Libby Bingham was the team's leader last year on and off the field, calling her the heart and soul of the squad. She was an unheralded shortstop, who always made sure the team was focused and ready to play.

"We will miss her leadership," said Haefner. "We need someone to step into that role. That's probably our biggest question mark right now. Libby did so much for us. 

"So far (this spring), without Libby out there, I've been having to stay on girls to keep working hard and keep their nose to grindstone," added Haefner. "Libby took care of that last year. It's early, but we need a leader to emerge."

The Lakers' top-four hitters back are senior Kara Lattery, juniors Shaye Barton and Izzy Gates and sophomore Justus Perry.

Lattery had a huge 2013 season. The catcher hit .515 with 22 RBIs and 10 doubles, earning first-team, all-state honors. Perry was second-team, all-state. She hit .493 with 35 RBIs.

Gates also finished the season over .500 with a .509 average and 27 runs scored. Barton hit .432 with 28 runs scored and 17 RBIs.

"Our offense will be as good, if not better, than last year," said Haefner. "But we are going to have to find someone to hit behind Justus in the No. 5 spot."

That job could go to sophomore Angela McBeain, a transfer from Northfield, who will take over at first base, while Perry will move to third base. 

Haefner also expects junior Taylor Roddie to have a bigger impact on offense. She hit in the No. 9 spot last year and had some big hits for the Lakers late in the season.

Roddie will either start in the outfield or play second base. Haefner is moving Barton to shortstop, so second base is open. Eighth-grader Jocelyn Kirk is a candidate to start there, but Haefner wants to make sure she's ready. 

If Kirk can make the varsity, Haefner wants her to start and play every game, which is what she would do on the junior varsity.

Gates is back in center field. She has terrific range. Roddie will play left if she's not at second base, while right field looks to be a platoon between junior Rachel Kleist and senior Shannon Borchardt.

Seniors Merissa Page and Chloe Brusacorum are also in the mix in the outfield. Senior Katie Sickmann will also get some time at first base.

Who will pitch? Haefner said the No. 1 starter could be sophomore Caitlin Stone, while junior Deanna Wibbens and McBeain can also throw.

"Caitlin worked hard all offseason and I'm excited about what she can do," said Haefner. "Deanna and Angela can also throw. I think we have three solid pitchers.

"I think we will be pretty good defensively," added Haefner. "Justus and Shaye can handle the move (to short and third). And Izzy covers so much ground in center."

Prior Lake is scheduled to open the season April 4 at home versus Apple Valley in South Suburban Conference play, but that looks much in doubt due to the late-arriving spring. The Lakers' second and third games are at Rosemount April 7 and at Bloomington Jefferson April 9, weather permitting.

The SSC looks to be really strong again with the likes of Prior Lake, Lakeville North, Jefferson, Lakeville South and Eastview leading the way. Haefner said Rosemount could be a sleeper team.

The Lakers were second in the SSC last year with an 8-2 mark, one loss behind champion Lakeville North.

Section 2AAA is also traditionally tough with the Shakopee one of the favorites with the Lakers, along with Mankato West and Mankato East. Haefner said Eden Prairie could be a sleeper, along with New Prague.

"Our conference is as good as any and so is our section," said Haefner. "Our goal is to win the conference, defend our section title and try to get back to the state title game and try to win it."