Burnsville softball team ready for more

The defending Class 3A state softball champions are hungrier than ever. Burnsville might have lost some key players, but senior captain Megan Lehnen still is soaking in the 3-2 title game victory over North St. Paul last season in North Mankato.

"You still have that pumped-up feeling coming off of that state win," Lehnen said. "We want to get back there and win it again."

With Monday marking the first official day teams across the state can practice, the Blaze isn't just hungry. They're well-equipped for another taste.

Lehnen brings a stabilizing force in center field and will look to lead Burnsville at the plate. The St. Cloud State University recruit hit .342 in conference play last season and was named to the all-tournament team during the championship run.

Another returning centerpiece for Burnsville -- traditionally powered by pitching and defense -- is senior captain Kelsey Anderson.

Not only did Anderson pitch back-to-back, same-day no-hitters in the state tournament's early rounds, the Winona State University recruit also threw an extra-innings shutout in the Class 3A Section 3 finals to upset undefeated Eagan and advance to state.

"It's very reassuring to know you have your senior pitcher coming back, especially one like her," Lehnen said of her teammate.

Coach Hillary Hansen said it was Anderson's work ethic during the offseason that helped her get ahead of hitters and stay in control throughout the game.

While the Blaze did lose some players to graduation, they will gain a key senior, Lauren Smith, who missed almost all of last season because of an ACL injury.

Smith has been playing varsity since seventh grade, so she'll bring experience and talent, most likely at second base. As a sophomore, Smith led Burnsville in walks and extra-base hits.

"Her bat's going to be huge this year, I can just feel it," Lehnen said.

Smith was actually first cleared to play in the state tournament last spring. In her first at-bat of the season, she notched the game-winning RBI over Brainerd. Smith was 2-for-3 at state.

"It was impressive," Hansen said. "We are really excited to have her back full time. She really is one of the most intelligent players, she knows the game. She hates when I do that, but I call her Joe Mauer. She has the most beautiful swing ever."

There are still some question marks for Burnsville's campaign to repeat. With a dangerous South Suburban Conference featuring Eagan, Bloomington Jefferson, Lakeville North, Lakeville South and others, there will be plenty of opportunities for younger players to get their feet wet against top competition.

Last season, Burnsville wasn't even the favorite to make it through sections, but the team ended up winning it all. Why stop at one?

"That expectation has been set now because we did win state last year, so the expectation to come back and do it again is really high," Lehnen said.