Xavier coach Laurie Martin still stings from last season’s quarterfinal exit against Chaparral, her earliest exit ever.

“I feel that when healthy, we were the second best team in the state,” Martin said.

The Gators finished 12-3 but came up short saddled with injuries.

The key to erasing those memories this season: staying healthy.

The Gators haven’t won the state championship in four years but are confident with a healthy team.

“One of our key players was hurt last season, and she’s going to be back,” junior Emily Even said. “We’re very hopeful and were going to give it our best shot.”

The Gators open their season on the road against the Mountain View Toros on Thursday at 3:30 p.m.

“I think our mentality is to have fun,” Even said. “Definitely what we’ve done before.”

Martin knows the season is about maturing and learning how to play together.

Freshmen Ryan Kershner said this her first time as part of a team.

“It’s going to be a different atmosphere,” Kershner said.