By Mark Nesvig, Sports Editor

With their 11th straight conference win May 14, the Lakers secured at least a share of the Missota softball crown for the first time under head coach Mona Glass.

Prior Lake then followed that up with a 1-0 victory over Shakopee in the May 15 regular-season finale to clinch sole possession of the title, finishing 17-3 overall and 13-1 in the Missota - a game ahead of Farmington.

The Lakers’ 5-0 win over New Prague May 14 officially clinched a share of the Missota crown, but it was their 5-0 victory over Farmington May 9 that was the most significant.

“Just looking at the two teams (Prior Lake and Farmington), it just seemed like they didn’t feel like they were playing for as much as we were,” Glass said. “Maybe that’s because conference titles are old hat for Farmington, but our kids were very focused. Most of the kids knew the importance of that game, and those that didn’t sure found out afterward.

“That was by far the best game we’ve put together against Farmington since I’ve been coaching. It was very exciting and great for the girls. They’ve played so well and just put everything together. As a coach, I’m thrilled, but this all comes down to them – they went out and performed every day.”

Sam Mansfeldt provided much of the offense against Farmington, going 2-for-3 with a pair of runs batted in, and the Lakers also got two hits from Jess Lauterbach.

But it was sophomore pitcher Brittany Lauterbach’s game to shine, as she earned the complete-game shutout, allowing just two hits while striking out 11 along the way.

Lauterbach has played a key role in the Lakers’ success this season – despite it being her first year at the varsity level.

“We knew we had pitching in Brittany and [freshman] Andrea Seurer,” Glass said. “They were just young and inexperienced. But they’ve both done well. Brittany, especially, has stepped up and done a tremendous job for us this year, and that’s been a big key.”

Prior Lake had gone into the Farmington game on the heels of a 4-0 win over Northfield May 8 in which Lauterbach again earned the complete-game shutout, striking out 12 along the way.

Becca Barber had a big day at the plate, going 4-for-4 with two doubles and two runs batted in, and the Lakers also got contributions from Mansfeldt (2-for-3), Kelsey Ennenga (2-for-3) and Katelyn Berens (2-for-3 with an RBI).

The Lakers then followed up the big win over Farmington with conference victories over Holy Angels (6-0) May 12 and Red Wing (7-0) May 13.

Lauterbach allowed just two hits and struck out 10 against Holy Angels, and she also went 3-for-4 at the plate with two runs scored and three RBIs.

Barber, who went 1-for-3 with two RBIs, and Ennenga, who went 2-for-3 with an RBI, also got into the act.

Lauterbach recorded 12 more strikeouts against Red Wing, and the Lakers got two hits apiece from Ennenga, Mansfeldt, Ashley Flaschenriem and Jess Lauterbach, who also scored twice.

Lauterbach ratcheted up her strikeout total even further against New Prague, recording 16 Ks en route to another shutout.

Jess Lauterbach, meanwhile, supplied much of the offense, belting a double and driving in three runs.

Ennenga, who had a triple and scored twice, and Amanda Gullickson, who tripled and scored once, also contributed.

“I was comfortable with our defense coming into this year, but whether our bats would come around was a big question,” Glass said. “I’m telling you what, it’s been fun to watch these girls hit. They really put the ball in play and make things happen.”

Up next for the Lakers are the section playoffs, and they’ll be back in Section 2AAA this year – a section from which they advanced to state in 2005.

Tenth-ranked Mankato East received the No. 1 seed, and the Lakers received the No. 2 seed.

The section tournament runs May 20-29 at Caswell Park in North Mankato – the site of the state tournament.

“The last time we got to state, it was out of this section, and I really like our chances,” Glass said. “The kids have put it all together this year. If they can keep it up, no matter what happens, they can hold their heads high, because they’re doing everything they can.

“These playoff games are always really close, but if we can catch a break here and there, I really think we can get back to state.”