But the Lakers have to replace more seniors this year than it has in previous seasons under fifth-year coach Kris Schneider. The Lakers lost five to graduation.

So there is plenty of competition for varsity spots.

"We have a lot of players who have really improved both from our junior varsity teams and also new, up-and-coming junior high kids who also could make the team," said Schneider. "Both our varsity and junior varsity teams look to be very strong. We have the most kids out for all three teams that we have ever had before."

Success has likely helped the Lakers grow in numbers. Prior Lake is 53-7 overall the last three seasons, including 26-0 in the South Suburban Conference. Prior Lake finished 16-5 last year, winning the SSC title for a third straight year and capturing its second straight Section 3AA crown.

Back for the Lakers are some strong singles players, including their top three from last year - junior Chloe Hall, sophomore Savanna Crowell and ninth-grader Taylor Jackson.

Senior Dani Keller is entering her sixth varsity season and can play doubles or singles, along with senior Erin Swanson. Junior Grayce Petersen is also a strong doubles player, along with senior Alison Wagner and junior Sydney Soeffker.

"We have a lot of options (with our lineup)," said Schneider. "We return all our singles players, but we have several other good options for No. 4 singles, so there definitely may be matches where we move one of our top-four singles players into doubles to strengthen up our doubles. We should be pretty versatile.

"We definitely have a goal of winning the conference and making it to state again. However, we have a lot of tough teams we will have to beat along the way. Eastview will be very strong again and Eagan also returns some tough players. We will have to work very hard to achieve both those goals again, but we definitely have the players to do so.

"We also should have a lot of depth once again and our singles should be very strong," continued Schneider. "All of the girls also work very hard and have good attitudes, so I know they will really improve throughout the season."

Prior Lake has lost to 4-3 to Minnetonka in the state semifinals the last two years. The Skippers have lost to Edina in the title match in both seasons. The perennial-power Hornets have won 17 straight Class AA state crowns.

Prior Lake also played in back-to-back state tournaments for the first time in its history. The third-place finish in 2012 was a program-best, along with the 19 wins (19-2). The other state appearance was back in 1991.

Hall and Crowell also played in the state doubles tournament last year and won the consolation title. The duo finished 1-1 the year before. Keller played in the state singles tournament as a sophomore.

Prior Lake will open the season Aug. 22 in the Edina Invitational at 8 a.m. The Lakers' first home match is Aug. 23 versus O'Gorman at 9 am.

The Lakers' are home to Wayzata Aug. 25 at 4 p.m. Prior Lake opens the SSC season Aug. 26 at Eagan at 3:30 p.m.