2. Dripping Springs (33-5): One of Central Texas' most consistent programs, the Lady Tigers were Class 4A state semifinalists last year.

3. Stony Point (15-13): Lady Tigers are coming off their first-ever playoff appearance, and have standout pitcher Ashley Kirk back.

4. Pflugerville (15-9): The Outon twins - pitcher Diedre and catcher Haley - are double trouble.

5. La Grange (29-6): The always tough Leopards return eight starters from last season.

6. Vista Ridge (28-6): The Lady Rangers look loaded for their Class 5A debut.

7. N.B. Canyon (26-7): The Cougarettes will be tough with Sarah Mireles back on the mound.

8. Lockhart (28-7): Pitcher Taylor Boedeker returns, which is a good thing.

9. Leander (24-11): The Lions were district tri-champions last year.

10. Elgin (25-10): The talented Wildcats return strong pitching this year.

Players to watch

* Sam Beeson, OF, Bowie: A first-team All-Central Texas pick last year, she hit .400 with 15 RBIs

* Haley Chambers, UT, Hyde Park: She earned Central Texas newcomer of the year honors as a freshman last year, hitting .754 with 44 runs, 40 RBIs and 7 homers

* Blaire Luna, P, Bowie: The reigning Central Texas player of the year and University of Texas commitment gave up only one earned run in 123 innings last year, with 246 strikeouts

* Sara Mireles, P, N.B. Canyon: The left-hander went 23-7 with a 0.83 ERA, 208 strikeouts and four no-hitters last year

* Katie Nichols, OF, San Marcos: The gold-glove outfielder earned All-Central Texas honors after hitting .432 with 5 doubles, 6 triples and 18 steals

* Coralee Ramirez, OF, Vista Ridge: Last year's newcomer of the year in her district, she hit .388 with 24 RBIs, 6 doubles, 12 steals and 31 runs scored

* Keanna Winkfield, INF, Giddings: Another first-team All-Central Texas pick, she hit .456 with 25 runs scored and had 19 steals

* MacKenzie Whyte, INF, Westlake: The Chaps standout hit .340 with 18 runs, 9 doubles, 22 RBIs and had a .955 fielding percentage

* Katelin Wolff, P, La Grange: Went 18-4 as a pitcher with 113 Ks in 122 innings, and hit .404 with 31 RBIs

- Butch Hart