The Lions are coming off a 14-9 season in which they qualified for state for the first time since 1979. LHS lost in the first round of state to eventual Class 6A state champion Shawnee Mission Northwest.
"A lot of these girls weren't involved in the state game, but were there at the tournament since it was at Holcom," said Stogsdill, who's 58-51 entering her sixth season as Lawrence's head coach. "They saw the excitement and the atmosphere surrounding the tournament. They know what it's like and hopefully they'll have the desire to be there again."
The Lions will open today at Shawnee Mission South. Lawrence's home opener is Tuesday against Olathe South at Holcom Park.
LHS must replace seven starters from last season's squad.
"Losing seven starters takes a big bite out of the lineup," Stogsdill said.
A couple of months ago, Stogsdill thought she had lost another starter when junior Ashley Burnett tore her ACL during basketball season. Burnett was Lawrence's No. 1 pitcher last spring, going 10-5.
"Having Ashley not out for the season helps a lot," Stogsdill said. "We thought we had lost her, but we got her back and you've got to feel positive about that. With a pitcher like Ashley, there's no reason we can't get to state again."
Burnett, a leftfielder when she's not pitching, will wear a brace on her left leg and plans to have surgery following the season.
"I don't think it will affect her physically," Stogsdill said. "I'm hoping it won't affect her mentally. When she's running you can tell, otherwise she seems full strength."
Rachel Paradies, the lone senior on the LHS roster, is the Lions' other returning starter. Primarily an outfielder last season, Paradies will play first base this spring.
Lawrence's other projected positions for the opener are South Junior High freshman Jenny Narcomey at catcher; Courtney Taulbert or Larissa Johnson at third base; South freshman Jenni Morrell at shortstop; Micaela Hill at second base; Haley Bowlin in right field; Megan Cooper in center field; and Cicely Reusch in left field.
Johnson has been ailing from a bad back.
"She's really struggled with that," Stogsdill said. "She's not at full strength."
Narcomey, Morrell and Ashley Houk could share time at catcher, a position Dani May held for four years for the Lions. May is now playing softball at Kansas University.
"Not having Dani will be a big void as far as leadership," Stogsdill said. "Dani's such a quiet leader on the field. To me she was like having a coach on the field. I've never had three good catchers on the same team before and that's nice."
Stogsdill would prefer Morrell stick to shortstop.
"Jenni Morrell is an exceptional athlete," Stogsdill said. "I like my shortstop to stay at short and be stable at that position. She has a very bright future."
The 6A state tournament is set for May 25 at Holcom Park.
-- Sports writer Steve Rottinghaus can be reached at 832-7152.
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