Prior Lake finished the season with a 14-2-1 overall record (6-0-3 in the South Suburban Conference). So it would be an understatement to stay the Lakers' hopes aren't extremely high.

"We graduated six players from last year, but we have people who can fill those spots," said Lakers coach David Graham. "We got the experience. We are fairly deep. We're pretty balanced. We have high expectations.

"Getting to state is the goals for these girls," added Graham. "And there's no reason we can't get there."

The Lakers will begin that quest Aug. 22 in their annual Katie Dretlaw Invitational, which will played at the Savage Dome. The Lakers face Hill-Murray in the first round at 6 p.m. and will take on Cretin-Derham Hall the next day at 1 p.m.

Prior Lake is home to Edina (a section foe) Aug. 26 at 6 p.m. The Hornets were the only other team to beat the Lakers last season (2-1).

Prior Lake is at Chanhassen Aug. 28 and will open the SSC season Sept. 2 at Lakeville South. Both games are at 7:30 p.m.

The Lakers had no problem scoring last year, tallying 48 times and allowing just 10 goals. Senior Kaija Ornes earned all-state recognition. She led the team with 11 goals and 11 assists.

"Kaija is a strong player," said Graham. "We're going to be strong up front. We have a lot of talent offensively."

Senior Katie Ward will also be one to watch up front, along with sophomore Allie Bolinger.

In the midfield, there's seniors Taylor Elshaw, Emily Peterson, Mary Kaiser and Aly Penton and juniors Tia Neuharth, Linley Norman and Mackenzie Lundquist.

On defense, there's seniors Lindsey Harris and Jade Weller, Maggie Ruelle and Chelsea Benedict and juniors Abby Ruelle, Alexa Hoepner and Becca Brinkley. In goal will be senior Jenna Stock, along with sophomore Alyssa Hough.

The Lakers did suffer a loss during the summer season when junior Nicole Kelly injured her knee and is now lost for the season. She was the second on the team in assists last year with seven, adding three goals.

"Most of the girls on our roster play in the Prior Lake club," said Graham. "So they know each other well and have played together for while. I think our chemistry will be very good.

"If there's one area of concern is we lost a lot of experience on defense from last year, plus our keeper," added Graham. "So there are holes to fill there, but I believe we have the players to do that."

The SSC is expected to be tough again with the likes of Burnsville (the defending champion), Lakeville North, Eastview, Eagan and the Lakers. Section 2AA is more top heavy with three teams standing out - Prior Lake, Eden Prairie and Edina.

"Eden Prairie has been our nemesis," said Graham. "We beat them last in the regular season (2-1), but they have gotten us in the playoffs the last two years."