Rosemount at Prior Lake
4:15 p.m., Thursday, April 14

Rosemount left-handed junior starting pitcher Gabby Sprang makes the Irish one of the toughest teams in the state, but they also play in one of the toughest leagues in the state.

Sprang finished with a 0.55 ERA and 169 strikeouts in 152 innings to help Rosemount claim a share of the South Suburban Conference title last season.

Prior Lake features two high-caliber pitchers in Caitlin Stone and Angela McBeain, who helped the team finish 17-8 last year and 8-5 in league play. Stone finished with an 8-3 record and a 3.29 ERA in 68 innings. McBeain went 6-2 with a 2.73 ERA in 48 2/3 innings.

Both teams are adjusting to lineup changes this season. Sprang is the returning RBI leader for the Irish with nine last year.

The Lakers clubbed 18 home runs last season, but the lineup may not offer the same pop after graduating of Shaye Barton (.412, three HR) and the loss of Auburn commit Justus Perry, who hit .457 with eight home runs and 26 RBI, following her move to Alabama.