The Prior Lake softball team looked like a top state contender in its season opener April 12.

Senior Kailey Ahlstrom struck out 13 batters tossing a complete game in the Lakers' 4-1 win at Mankato West at Caswell Park. There were just five total hits in the game with Prior Lake getting four of them.

Mankato West is expected to be one of the top teams in Class 3A this spring, while the Lakers are one of the state favorites in Class 4A.

Ahlstrom gave up a solo homer in the first inning, which was Mankato West's only hit of the game. 

Senior Jocelyn Kirk finished 1 for 2 with two runs scored for Prior Lake. Senior Abbey Saggert was 1 for 2 with an RBI, while senior Torey Schaff and senior Jasmine Ziegler each had a hit.

Sophomore Kelly Kero scored two runs as a pinch-runner, while also stealing a base. Prior Lake led 2-1 after one inning and tacked on two more runs in the top of sixth.