How confident? Lakers coach Matt Haefner believes this year's team has the potential to be better than the 2013 squad that was the state runner-up.

"Our team chemistry is great; you can feel it," said Haefner. "If the girls play up to their potential, this is going to be a fun year. I believe we can be better than in 2013.

"But the one thing that team had that year was great leadership with Libby Bingham and Sam Buhmann," added Haefner. "They willed us to state."

Haefner believes senior Shaye Barton and junior Justus Perry can provide that leadership to get the team back into the Section 2AAA title game for a fourth straight year.

The Lakers lost to Mankato East in the section final in 2012, beat Mankato West the next year, before losing to New Prague last spring.

New Prague has to be the favorite again this season since it returns nearly its entire team from a year ago, including standout pitcher Nichole Reed.

But the Lakers will be in the hunt, especially since it will boast one of the top offenses in the section as well as in the South Suburban Conference.

"Not only do we want to win our section again but we want to finish higher in the SSC," said Haefner. "I want to win the conference. Rosemount and Eastview will be really good. We expect to be right up there."

The Lakers were sixth in the SSC last year with a 6-7 mark, finishing 15-11 overall.

Barton is entering her fifth varsity season and she's back at shortstop, while Perry is in her fourth varsity season and returns to first base. Both are potent offensive players.

Haefner said he'll bat Perry in the No. 2 spot in the order and Barton behind her. He believes Barton may be able to protect Perry better hitting behind her because she's tough to pitch around.

"Justus looks stronger and more athletic; her swing looks amazing," said Haefner. "Shaye is a better bad-ball hitter. She can hit balls out of the strike zone like (former Minnesota Twins great) Kirby Puckett could do, so we think it will be difficult to pitch around them with Shaye protecting Justus."

Haefner expects to have senior Izzy Gates back in the lineup and in center field. A key member of the state runner-up team, Gates missed nearly all of last season with a back injury.

"For this team to be successful, we need her in the lineup," said Haefner.

Senior Rachel Kleist looks to be the leadoff hitter and play in right field with senior Dee Wibbens in left. Senior Taylor Roddie will also be in the outfield.

Ninth-grader Jocelyn Kirk will open at second base, while senior Ashlee Leach will play third base. Behind the plate will be ninth-grader Abbey Sagert, who will try to replace Kara Lattery, who was a two-time all-state selection.

"It's going to be very hard to replace Kara," said Haefner. "She was excellent behind the plate and a great hitter. But Abbey has a lot of ability."

Junior Caroline Bjorge could also see some time behind the plate. On the mound for the Lakers will be juniors Angela McBeain and Caitlin Stone. Ninth-grader Kailey Ahlstrom could also be one to watch as a pitcher as the season progresses.

"She has a ton of talent," said Haefner.

In the conference, Haefner expects Rosemount, Eastview and Shakopee to be contenders for the title with his club. Shakopee is also in Section 2AAA, along with usually competitive Mankato teams and New Prague.

"Our section has some quality teams," said Haefner. "I'm hoping we get to face New Prague and their pitcher again. She's good, but we'd like another shot at her."

Prior Lake will open the SSC season April 7 at Burnsville at 4:30 p.m. The Lakers will get Eden Prairie (a section foe) April 11 on the road at noon.

Prior Lake is at Eagan April 13, before facing Eastview in its home opener April 15. Both SSC games start at 4:30 p.m.