Under the leadership of a new coach, the Varsity Softball team has endured a tough season while making gradual improvements in performance.

One challenge the team faced early on was the bitter cold fronts and ice storms that canceled some of their early games. The missed games were later rescheduled, providing time to help the team.

“It wasn’t really that bad. It gave us time so when we did play them we were ready and prepared,” senior Lauren Kappel said.

Players were excited to pick up their first district win in several years win they beat Anderson. As of last week, the team was ranked sixth in their district with a 1 to 6 overall record. The team played Westlake on Friday and faces Bowie on Tuesday.

“This year is going good,” senior Lydia Sanchez said. “We actually won our (first) district game in a couple years.”

Many players attributed the change in performance to the new head coach Kristen Lozano at Akins, which has been pushing the varsity team to excel.

“She’s cool and tough but the same time, she actually knows what she’s doing and she’s really passionate about the game,” Sanchez said.

Coach Lozano, who has been working with the girls, has been helping them grow their potential and excel in the game.

“She’s a very amazing coach,” Kappel said, “She’s not only a coach but a mentor to me.”

The season a few weeks left, giving the girls time to improve their position in the district standings.

The softball girls still stand to face the top three schools within their district region, Lake Travis, Bowie and Hays.