Burnsville Softball Looking For Another State Championship

BURNSVILLE BLAZE SOFTBALL

Last season: 25-3 -- Class AAA state champions

Conference record: 10-2 (tied second place in Lake Conference)

Section 3AAA tournament: defeated Lakeville North 3-0, defeated Eastview 2-0, defeated Eagan 1-0, defeated Eagan 1-0.

Class AAA state tournament: defeated Brainerd 1-0, defeated Hasting 1-0, defeated North St. Paul 3-2.

The softball team took home its third Class AAA state title last season, blazing through its schedule with a 25-3 record en route to the championship. Blaze coach Hillary Hansen said her team is excited about the opportunity to attempt a repeat as state champions, and her squad will lean on three returning seniors to help lead the way.

Key Returning Players

Pitcher Kelsey Anderson, center fielder Megan Lehnen and second baseman Lauren Smith, all seniors, are finishing off successful careers with the Blaze. Both Anderson and Lehnen were All-State last year. Lauren Smith has been playing varsity since seventh grade and is returning from an ACL injury last season. Other returners include juniors Danielle Wolk, Abby Harazin and Laura Nadeau.

Conference Outlook

Burnsville will compete in the new South Suburban Conference (SSC) this year, and the competition is likely to be strong. The Blaze will be facing many of their former Lake Conference foes — including Eagan and Bloomington Jefferson, which lost two and three games last year, respectively. Eagan’s lone two losses last year came in the section finals to Burnsville, both 1-0 decisions.

Hansen said she’s excited to have Prior Lake now as an conference opponent. The Lakers joined the South Suburban Conference from the Missota Conference, where they went 22-7 last year overall and earned a Class AAA state berth.

“I know they will be a strong, talented team,” Hansen said, “and it adds a natural rival for Burnsville.”