With the first round of district behind them the Panther softball team is sitting in first place for District 7-6A at 8-0.

“This team is full of motivated, intelligent young ladies who strive to get better every day,” head coach Bret Duff said. “They are a good team with great individual attitudes.”

The team has played the last 10 games where teams have only scored four or less runs on them. Only two teams have been able to score four runs on them.

“Defense has been the big key for us all season,” Duff said. “We are consistent in how we approach each day whether it be practice or games.”

This season started with only four starters from last year’s team. Duff said those starters have been one of the strengths of the team.

“This team has great leadership,” Duff said. “These young ladies have done a great job of leading and setting the tone each and every day in practices and in the games.”

Several of the players on the team have posted top stats so far this year. Junior Saleen Donohoe, North Texas commit, is currently leading the Dallas Morning News  stats for strikeouts and ERA. She also is in the top ranks for her batting average, home runs and RBI’s. Sophomore Briana Martinez is also ranked among the top players in the area for her batting average and stolen bases with Junior Rubi Diaz ranking in the top for her batting average and RBI’s as well.

“These girls were all first team all-district selections from last year,” Duff said. ” They picked up this season right where they left off.”

Duff admits this team loves to have fun at both practices and games but he said they have learned how to balance  the two.

“Balancing focus, seriousness and having fun  is not easy and is a constant work in progress,” Duff said. “With this being said we discuss quite often how softball is still a game and to be successful you still need to have fun to be able to play at your best potential.”

The team started the second half of district the same way they ended the first half by shutting out Irving 4-0. Duff said the second half is going to be tough.

“When you are undefeated everyone is coming for you and we get their best game,” Duff said. “So we have to play our best game every time we step on the field. The girls know this and they accept the challenge.”