The Central High School softball team started practice on Monday, as coach Chuck Robinson was able to officially begin preparations for the team’s Aug. 11 scrimmage against Bowdon and its Aug. 14 regular-season opener.

“It’s good to get going. I mean, I’m excited about it, got some new faces, a lot of new faces, really,” Robinson said.

“So it’s good to get out and get started, see where we’re going to stand, see what we look like, get a chance to see everybody.”

The quick turnaround from the beginning of practice to the start of the season isn’t much of a concern for Robinson, either. Some of his veterans played summer ball, and he’s much more interested in moving at a pace that puts his team in position to finish well rather than just starting strongly.

“We sure wouldn’t want to be playing our best (at) the beginning of the season anyway,” Robinson said. “So hopefully it’ll work out for us.”

And though his team features plenty of new players, it’s the familiar faces that have Robinson confident coming off the team’s limited summer slate, particularly his three seniors: Ariel Duffey, Amanda Ake and Brandy Todd.

“So far they’ve done a great job of leading,” Robinson said.

That senior trio has been a part of the past three very strong seasons for the program, and it’s been those veterans who have helped the newer Lady Lions learn the ropes as they adjust to the team.

“They’ve really made sure everybody is here, hustling,” Robinson said. “Effort, attitude has been tremendous.”

With the loss of four seniors from last season’s group, those seniors are sure to be counted on by Robinson as the go-to players.

“We’ll expect them to really carry the load and make sure everybody’s doing things right and follow(ing) their example,” Robinson said.

“And with those three kids, they’re going to hustle.”

He is excited to see what this season will be like, but as the opening days of practice continue, his formula is simple: effort and hustle.

“As long as they do that, that’s what we’re looking for,” Robinson said.