by JASON GORDON

It might be a bit early in the season for Hays head coach Jo Farr to fully know the potential of her 2010 softball team.

One thing is certain, however, Farr is ecstatic about the positive attitude both her veteran and younger players are displaying so far.

“The chemistry this team has is amazing,” Farr said. “The coaches see it, our fans see it, and the parents see it and have commented about it. This is going to be a fun, fun team to coach.”

Farr hopes it’s not only an enjoyable group to coach but also a winning one.

Back are six starters from a team that tied for third in District 17-4A last season but lost to Magnolia in the first round of the playoffs.

Catcher Dani Alvarado, third baseman Ashley Miller, pitcher Amanda Ruiz and outfielders McKinna Kinsey, Emily Opheim and Taylor McDaniel return to the lineup as veterans for the Lady Rebs.

Newcomers to the starting lineup this season are second baseman Mary Ann Rizo, shortstop Hannah Ramsey and the first base platoon of Leah Couch and Kelsea Sadler.

Key backups will be middle infielder Traci Green and catcher Brittany Pape.

“We are very strong at catcher with Dani and both Hannah and Miller have very good gloves and strong arms on the right side of our defense in the infield,” Farr said. “We’ve got great athletes in the outfield who have speed and the ability to throw people out if they try for an extra base.”

Ruiz, who started almost every game in the pitcher’s circle last season for Hays, will be out until spring break, so the Lady Rebels will have to rely on a pair of freshmen pitchers, Gabi Alvarez and Ali Gleason, to start the first few games of district play.

“I have a lot of confidence in both Gabi and Ali,” Farr said. “I think pitching will be one of our strengths, especially when Ruiz comes back.”

Already this season, Hays has lopsided wins over Blanco (12-0) and Wimberley (17-1).

Against Wimberley, Opheim had three triples and Alvarez had two hits and three runs.

This past weekend, after struggling early, Hays found its stride on Saturday to secure wins over Bay City and Galveston Ball in the Brazosport Tournament.

“It’s a good sign that we’re hitting well early,” Farr said. “We had to make some adjustments to different style pitching in Brazosport, but once we did we started swinging the bats well again. Those are the kind of things we’re going to have to learn to do quicker once district starts.”

Hays will open district play on Friday night at 17-4A favorite Lockhart.

“I have full confidence that we’ll be in the playoffs again,” Farr said. “We just have to stay consistent and positive, and I don’t think that’s going to be a problem for this team.”