Believe it or not, there is a lighter side to Mallory Duran.

A softer, less serious side to the All-Colorado softball player of the year from Windsor; the center fielder who was overwhelmingly proficient and purely down to business last year throughout the Wizards' march to their first state championship.

That might not seem conceivable to Windsor's Class 4A opponents, all of whom were partial victims of Duran's .553 batting average, which included six home runs and 27 RBI. But, yes, Duran, now a senior, does have laid-back moments.

"During pregame and practice, she sings whatever song is stuck in her head," Windsor coach Sandi Cumings said. "Then it's stuck in all of our heads."

Duran laughs but doesn't deny it.

"Usually it's country; Rascal Flatts has been a regular selection lately," she said, admitting staying a bit loose is a key component in the Wizards' arsenal.

Just as long as the other team doesn't see.

"Last year, do you know what we did to prepare for the state championship game?" Duran said. "We played dodge ball. The last day of the tournament was snowed out, so we went to the gym, got a little hitting in, then played dodge ball."

In October, snow invaded Aurora Sports Park after the first day of the state tournament, so the final two rounds were moved back two days. The Wizards, fresh off their dodge ball session, returned on a Monday night and beat Conifer and Northern League rival Berthoud to claim the crown.

Duran and her teammates believe a similar title run could unfold this season.

Seven regulars from last season return, including pitcher Alex Neely, who has refined her skills during the offseason under the tutelage of personal pitching coach Stephanie Klaviter.

Also returning are catcher Erin Wilkinson, left fielder Chelsea O'Connor, right fielder Lindsay Schlotthauer and Megan Wilkinson and Kelsey Tillery, who switch off at first base and designated hitter.

This season will be different as the Wizards enter as the team to beat after being a team with something to prove last season.

"When we look at it that way, it seems different," Cumings said. "But we're going to practice and work hard just like last season. We're going to approach it the same way."

Added Duran: "It shouldn't be different than last year. If we work as hard as we did then, there's no reason we shouldn't end up in the same place. I mean, every team is shooting for a common goal. We're just defending it."

It comes as no surprise to Cumings that Duran sees things similarly.

"A lot of people play the game, but Mallory understands everything about it," she said.

Included, apparently, is when to be serious and when a game of dodge ball will serve as a way to take the edge off.

"We might have to prepare that route again," Duran said.

NOTEBOOK

• There was a noticeable void on the softball circuit, particularly down south, when Ben Garcia retired after the 2005 season.

Many are rejoicing now because the Pueblo East coach is back.

Health problems were believed to be a factor in Garcia's initial decision, but he apparently is healthy and ready to keep the Eagles on course as perennial contenders.

"I'm happy he's back," Pueblo West coach Bob Zinanti said. "He's fun to be around and he brings out the best in all of us."

Garcia will be in charge of turning around a team that went below .500 last year. Many are picking the Eagles to rebound quickly behind the talents of outfielder Katie Eickelman and emerging sophomore pitcher Kayla Tapia.

• Another South Central League team, Pueblo Central, has high expectations this season. Four Wildcats players were chosen for the Triple Crown All-American game this season.

Pitcher Kayla Dionese, catcher Danni Oliva, shortstop Amber Pacheco and outfielder Lita Romero were among the 50 players chosen for the game, which was televised on Altitude.

The four players compete for the Pueblo Shockers during the summer and were chosen by a contingent of college coaches to play in the contest. It's one reason coach Larry Romero has a good feeling about this season.

"I have a great mixture of kids," he said. "I have some seniors who are just phenomenal and have been playing varsity together since they were freshmen."

• Apparently, earning a spot in the Cherokee Trail starting lineup essentially punches a player's ticket to college.

A combined nine starters graduated the past two years and all but one is playing in college. The most notable of that group are All-Colorado players Heather Hansen (2005), who is at Mesa State, and Brooke Bails (2006), now at Fort Lewis College.

It wouldn't be shocking if players such as catcher Christina Blanton, a senior, and speedy sophomore center fielder Albernice Drayton also eventually end up on a college diamond.

The success of the program hasn't hurt. Since the Aurora-based school opened in 2003, coach Dick Hormann has guided the Cougars to a 66-16 mark.

• While Windsor garnered much attention last year, and deservedly so for winning the state championship, many forget Berthoud was the team ranked No. 1 for most the year.

Many also might fail to realize that, like Windsor, Berthoud returns many key players, including its ace pitcher and standout hitter.

Kassie Haubert was the 4A pitcher of the year last season and helped guide the Spartans to a 22-3 mark, including the title-game loss to Windsor. Third baseman Jasmine Cervantes, an All-Colorado selection two seasons ago, returns for her senior season.

Since taking over the program four seasons ago, coach Dick Klocek has won 60 of 71 games.

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