By CHRIS DUKES
Correspondent

The Lady Rangers came into 2010 with the goal of improving on last year’s playoff run. So far, though only two weeks into the season, all systems are still go for that to happen. Vista Ridge is riding high following a 4-2 win over rival Leander, a 9-0 rout over Georgetown, and an 11-1 dismantling of McNeil.
“We are doing a great job of doing the little things right,” coach Robin Brady said following the Lady Rangers’ victory over Leander. “They are hitting the ball well and playing good defense. That helps the rest take care of itself.”
“Our pitching has been a strength for us,” senior Alexis Lynn said. “We are also playing together as a team.”
Against Leander, Lynn’s two-run single gave the Lady Rangers the lead for good. Rachel Burton led off the inning with a single, then Brittney Siudym drew a walk to set up Lynn’s go-ahead hit.
“I just swung through the ball and made contact,” Lynn said. “I saw the pitch coming and got a piece of it.”
The three runs would be enough for Nikki Hendricks, who threw a complete game scattering four hits through seven innings.
The Lady Rangers next dispatched expected district-title contender Georgetown in an impressive 9-0 win. Katelyn Williams was the main source of offense for the Lady Rangers, who scored early and often in the win. Williams was 3-for-4 with four RBIs and two runs scored. Junior pitcher Jordyn Schmidt earned the shutout win.
It was more of the same when the Lady Rangers welcomed McNeil to town on Monday night. Hendricks earned her seventh win of the year by allowing four hits and one run over seven innings. Offensively, Vista Ridge was led by Taylor Thom, who finished 4-for-5 with two runs scored and two doubles. Schmidt was 2-for-4 with three RBI, and Williams was 2-for-4 with two RBI.
The Lady Rangers sit alone atop the district standings after two short weeks, but don’t look for them to rest with their recent accomplishments.
“One of the strengths of this team is they push each other in practice,” Brady said. “There is competition and battles, but in the end they can come together as a team.”
Vista Ridge faces back-to-back road games as they travel to Round Rock Tuesday, and Stony Point March 26.