COTTONWOOD — The Lakers returned a large chunk of last year’s roster at the start of this season. While last year’s Laker softball team was one full of youth but lacking in experience, this one still remains a squad with plenty of time to harness its potential. As a result, the Lakers will look to take steps forward in 2024.

Olivia Hinz is the lone senior on this year’s Lakeview roster. The senior infielder was an Independent All-Area honorable mention in her last season after compiling a team-leading 1.23 OPS and a .561 batting average. Her eight RBIs and nine runs scored were also both team-highs.

Last year’s Lakeview group went 5-12 on the season, earning the No. 7 seed in the Section 3A South bracket. Their season ended in the first round with a 15-0 loss to No. 2S Wabasso, which went on to finish as the section runner-up.

Emma Brusven led the Lakers in innings pitched last year, throwing for 36 innings on the season. While she had her ups and downs, it was just her seventh-grade season. She’s still just an eighth grader this year, so another season in the circle will give her some beneficial experience. Her ERA has already come down from over 10 last year to 5.46 so far this season.

Brusven was also among the more impactful players at the plate for Lakeview. Her .429 batting average and 1.054 OPS were both good for second on the team.

Defense was a struggle for the Lakers at times last year. The team finished the season with just an 87% fielding percentage. Still, defensive instincts are best developed through experience. This year’s team features three seventh graders, 10 eighth graders, and two freshmen. Hinz and junior Aubreigh Rausch are the only upperclassmen on the team. While the group may have some growing pains, they’ll gain experience that will prove helpful in the long term.

If there’s one thing the Lakers have developed already, it’s speed. The team had seven players with at least five steals last year. Aubrey Peterson has already successfully stolen a base nine times this year through just the first seven games.

Lakeview is on pace to smash its win total from last season. They currently sit at 3-4 on the season and need just two more wins in their final 10 games to tie the mark.

the Lakers will next compete on Thursday when they will head out on the road for a matchup against Minneota/Canby. The doubleheader is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m.