Prior Lake vs. Mankato West

5 p.m., Thursday, April 12

Each of these teams have plenty of motivation after ending last year in heartbreaking fashion.

Prior Lake's season concluded with a 5-2 loss to Chanhassen in the Class 4A, Section 2 final. The Lakers will rely on standout senior pitcher Kailey Ahlstrom as they aim to dethrone the Storm this season.

The Middle Tennessee State commit was a member of the Star Tribune All-Metro first team after posting a 17-4 record with 196 strikeouts and 1.09 ERA as a junior.

Prior Lake boasts two more players headed to Division I programs: Illinois commit and senior catcher Abby Sagert and senior third baseman Sydney Trees, who committed to North Dakota.

Mankato West, meanwhile, ended last season with a 6-5 loss to Hermantown in the Class 3A state semifinals, but the Scarlets remain a top 3A contender thanks to senior pitcher Briggs Carlson. She committed to play softball at Northwestern after being named to the all-state team last season.