Tealey Farquhar records one of her two hits against Troy as Lampasas’ first-year head coach Christopher Munoz, left, looks on. Farquhar also posted an RBI in the win. It is going to be tough for the Lady Badgers to top everything they accomplished last year.

But they certainly appear prepared to try.

The Lady Badgers dominated Class 2A Troy in Tuesday evening’s season-opener by winning 11-0 in a contest shortened by the mercy rule.

“We fought hard from the start,” first-year Lampasas head coach Christopher Munoz said. “We attacked the pitcher right off the bat, and everyone communicated well on the field.”

While a strong start is important, Lampasas knows all too well that finishing on fire is far more crucial.

The Lady Badgers won the 2009 District 25-4A championship with a 9-1 record, amassed 24 victories overall and soared to as high as No. 11 in the state polls. The team also landed 10 players on the all-district list, including six first-team members, the offensive MVP and the district MVP.

PHOTOS BY RICHARD AKRIDGE Junior pitcher Taylor Holloman picked up a home victory in the Lady Badgers’ season debut against Troy Tuesday evening. The southpaw recorded 10 strikeouts in the shutout. The team’s season ended abruptly, however, as the Lady Badgers were soundly defeated by San Antonio Burbank in the area round of the playoffs.

Although it does not erase the disappointment of last season’s sour ending, Lampasas’ performance against Troy put the Lady Badgers back into a familiar position: the winner’s column.

Junior pitcher Taylor Holloman -- the 2009 district MVP -- earned the victory by throwing 10 strikeouts while giving up just one hit. As a sophomore, Holloman went 7-1 in district play and 16-4 overall.

While the southpaw dominated on the mound, a bevy of Lady Badgers produced at the plate.

First baseman Madison Morris, outfielder Tealey Farquhar, third baseman Jennifer Herron and Marisa Bogart each went two for three with an RBI in their at-bats. The 2009 district offensive MVP Bogart hit a double, and Morris and Herron each had a pair of stolen bases.

“Our slappers did really well with getting people over and bringing in some runs,” Munoz said. “Overall, we had a good night at the plate.”

Junior Kallen Vann also collected a hit in the victory, while Shelly Holcomb and Hadley Brown both picked up RBIs. Outfielder Kat Strickland went one for three on the night but finished with three RBIs.

One piece missing from last season’s squad is former head coach Chris Gaffney, who left the team suddenly despite earning the district’s coach of the year award.

Munoz takes over the position after serving as an assistant for the Badgers’ baseball program last year.

“I am very excited for the season, and I know these girls will give it their all on and off the field,” the coach said. “These girls are dedicated to what they love, and they will surely let you know it by showing you on the field.”

The Lady Badgers begin play at the two-day Gatesville tournament today before traveling to Brownwood for a 7:00 p.m. start against the Lady Lions Tuesday.

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The Lady Badgers’ junior varsity team lost its opener to Troy 9-4.

Michaela Hensiek went 2 for 2 at the plate with a triple and an RBI. Sierra Arnold was 1 of 2 and added a pair of stolen bases.

Cathaleen Garczyski, Chasity Kettinger and Dayna Noonan each recored an RBI for Lampasas.

Pitcher Kelsi Gilseth collected the loss but not before striking out six Lady Trojans.

Lampasas concludes its stay at the Lake Travis tournament Saturday and joins the varsity team in Brownwood Tuesday.