For the first time in six seasons, the Prior Lake gymnastics team doesn't return a returning state qualifier from the year before.

That doesn't mean it will be a rebuilding season for the Lakers this winter. There's still a lot of talent on the roster, which has just two seniors on it.

"I'm really excited about our team this year," Lakers coach Barb Klass said. "We have some great gymnasts returning, as well as some talented newcomers. I'm hoping for a successful and healthy season. I think we could be very competitive if we stay healthy, as there is a lot of talent on this team."

Prior Lake's two seniors are Doris Mor and Kaylie Kizer. Eighth-grader Madi Mathison had three top-10 finishes for the Lakers in the Section 2AA competition last year, so she'll be one to watch.

"She is back and looking strong," Kass said.

Eighth-graders Lexi Klugherz and Gretchen McCann and ninth-grader Tori Blair are also returning varsity members. Kass also expects varsity contributions from Kizer, sophomores Seleena Wallace, Josie Baldzicki and eighth-grader Kyra Hanson.

"It is still pretty early to tell, but I think we'll have a strong bar team," Kass said. "We should be able to start off the season with a full lineup of giants [on the uneven bars], which hasn't happened for us too often.

"We have a lot of talent on all of the other events too, but we're still putting routines together and figuring out combinations," Kass added. "It is a transition for a lot of the new girls coming from club [gymnastics] and learning the high school rules."

Prior Lake will open the season in its own invitational Dec. 9 at Twin Oaks Middle School at noon. The field has some strong teams, including Eden Prairie, Edina, Minnetonka, Chanhassen, Rosemount, Apple Valley, Lakeville South and Watertown-Mayer.

The Lakers' first South Suburban Conference is Dec. 12 at Lakeville North, the defending Class 2A state champions, at 6 p.m. The Panthers are also a Section 2AA foe, as are Lakeville South and Chanhassen.

Other teams in the Section 2AA field: Chaska, Bloomington Jefferson, Bloomington Kennedy and New Prague.

Last year, Prior Lake finished third in Section 2AA with a program-best score of 143.775. Lakeville North won (150.8), while Lakeville South was second (145.325).

Prior Lake had two individual state qualifiers last year — then-seniors Kailey Dobransky and Allie Meyer. The top-four individuals in the four section events and in the all-around make the state field, along with the winning team.

The last time the Lakers qualified for state as a team was in 2013 when the team finished seventh. The last time Prior Lake didn't have at least one individual at state was in 2011.