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Softball: Lady Dragons piling up runs early
By Justin Thomas, jthomas@starlocalnews.com
The offensive prowess of Southlake Carroll's softball team has been on display early in its 2013 campaign as the Lady Dragons are averaging more than 10 runs per game en route to a 12-3 start.
Last weekend, the Lady Dragons posted a 2-1 mark in the Frisco ISD Tournament, coming up short against Denton Guyer, 8-4, before earning wins over Arlington Bowie, 18-0, and Lake Dallas, 11-9.
Thus far, Carroll has scored at least 10 runs eight times, including two outings of 20-plus runs.
And the Lady Dragons haven't even finalized their lineup yet.
"We're still moving it around a bit from game-to-game," Stuewe added, "and I anticipate that continuing throughout the year depending on who we are facing and who is hitting well."
Carroll lost seven players to graduation but hasn't wasted much time finding replacements. Many of the Lady Dragons' returners, however, have switched positions.
"That's one of the things I have been impressed with the most," Stuewe said. "We've changed a lot but the girls have responded and I anticipate them to continue to improve as they get more repetitions at their positions."
The squad has also benefitted from an increase in speed on the bases.
"That's one of the biggest differences from last year to this year," Stuewe said. "We can be aggressive on the bases and run them well."
The Lady Dragons' success starts with leadoff hitter Sydney Bedford, while Alex Schneider, Christina Andrews and Lauren Heintzelman have been productive in the middle of the lineup. Schneider and Andrews also lead the Lady Dragons in the circle as starters, while Jessica Tunink will see time in relief.
"Alex and Christina will get a majority of the starts," Stuewe said. "They've both been pitching pretty well. They're similar in ways and we don't get a ton of strikeouts, but we've made up for it by playing well in the field behind them."
Stuewe has also been pleased with Carroll's defense thus far.
Heintzelman leads at catcher, with Gretchen Morgan at first base, Alex at second and sometimes third when not pitching, Alexa Wimberly at shortstop and Andrews at third. Nikki Spuria also chips in as a utility player depending on who is in the circle.
Around the outfield is Bedford in left, Devon Walter in center and Jaqui Lehane in right.
After back-to-back first-round playoff exits, Stuewe is hopeful the Lady Dragons can qualify for the postseason for a third consecutive season and follow with successful results.
"Our goal is to win a district title," he said. "From there, we want to make a deep playoff run. But we know Keller is playing extremely well, Richland has been playing well and Keller Fossil Ridge really looks like an improved team."
Carroll kicked off its district slate Feb. 26 with a 20-5 victory over Keller Central.
Andrews notched the win in the circle, while Alex and Heintzelman powered homers.
The Lady Dragons continued in district Tuesday against Keller Timber Creek (results not available as of press time) before going on the road at 5:30 p.m. Friday versus Richland.
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