lexis Ayache doesn't believe there is pressure on her as one of the premier pitchers in the Lehigh Valley, as well as an integral part on the Roughies' softball team this spring.

But, the junior hurler did admit there was some apprehension when she initially burst onto the scene as the likely replacement for mound mainstay Nicole Kern a few years ago.

"I did feel some pressure knowing that Nicole (Kern) was an outstanding pitcher for four years," said Ayache, who went 14-2 last season leading the Roughies to the district final game. "I didn't know what to expect.

"I just went out there and felt more comfortable as the season went along. I've also had a great defense behind me."

This season, Ayache hasn't missed a beat as she has been a major reason the Roughies have won six of their first seven games and appeared to be in a good situation to take the first steps to return to the Colonial league championship game.

"She (Ayache) has been very consistent," said head coach Bobby Thomas. "We figured she could help us during her freshman year and she had some chances. But she really came into her own this year.

"She has really developed her game over the past two years, and she knows how to mix her pitches and keep batters off balance."

In the offseason, Ayache decided to work on her hitting to make her game complete.

"I worked with my tournament coach and I also spent some time at Hitter's Edge to work on my hitting," said Ayache. "I did want to hit the ball better. So far, I can notice a difference. I have been seeing the ball better and making better contact overall. I know I can have a good year with the bat."

While Ayache is working to strengthen her skills, the game itself has been a part of her life for as long as she can remember. She started playing T-ball at a very young age and then began her softball career at the age of nine.

She attributes most of her motivation to her grandfather, John Kreiger, who recently passed away.

"He was my number one fan and always there for me," noted Ayache. "I always played for him, and now I will pay even harder."

Her rising determination should be able to gain her either first- or second -team Colonial League honors, a goal after she received honorable mention accolades last spring. From there, Ayache wants to eventually continue her career on the collegiate level.

Until then, however, her focus will be getting her team deep into the postseason.

"We have a nice start," she said. "What happened last season is over, and we're looking at this year as a new beginning. We're playing with a lot of confidence now, and we need to keep it going."