SOFTBALL NOTEBOOK: FOR HART, IT'S IN THE `CHEMISTRY'.

Byline: Anel Laj Staff Writer

It started back in December with a toy-wrapping party for The Total Love of Children Foundation, and the bonding between players has paid off.

On the diamond, it's the same team, but with a different look.

Except for the pitchers and catcher, every player on the Hart girls' softball team is playing a new position this season. The team's chemistry and overall winning attitude have made the changes a lot easier.

Last year's shortstop graduated and coach Cathy Giordano needed to make some adjustments. As it turned out, the players handled the transition well, winning seven games to start the season.

``None of them have complained and have taken it upon themselves to do what it takes to have the team win,'' said assistant coach Carlos Gomez. ``The kids have shown a different type of commitment . . . The entire coaching staff spent (time) bringing our team closer. Our team's success comes from everybody bonding and sacrificing to make the team better.''

A combination of strong hitters and consistent pitching has helped the Indians. Leadoff hitter Stacy Holbrook is hitting .375. Sara Dean has a .474 batting average with 4 RBI, and Jocelyn Evans is hitting .278 with 5 RBI.

Amanda Fortune (4-0) pitched in five games, including two starts, and struck out 18 as of Tuesday. Lindsey Kontra (2-0) has a 2.15 ERA in her two outings. Casey Pickard (1-0) hasn't allowed a run in two starts and has 10 strikeouts.

--Down but not out: with all its talent and depth, Hart will have tough competition in the Santa Clarita Valley. Saugus, which was 9-1 last year, will be strong again.

A couple of injuries contributed to a slow start for the Centurions (6-3 as of Tuesday).

Left fielder Kaci Einbund, who was in a car accident in November, is not 100 percent. Center fielder Kelly Cornelison is recovering from a wrist injury and should be back in two weeks. The Centurions also lost one of their top hitters when second baseman Allie Walling, who hit about .400 last season, moved.

But despite the few setbacks, Saugus has done well in the preseason. The team was second in the Gahr Tournament, which included a win over Long Beach Wilson.

--The challengers: Hart and Saugus are always favorites for the top spot in the Santa Clarita Valley, but Canyon and Valencia also have been successful.

Canyon (7-3) has relied on fundamentals. The team recently lost 1-0 to Crescenta Valley in 14 innings, but the fact that it stayed in the game and challenged the Falcons impressed coach Krista Humphreys.

The Falcons had runners in scoring position numerous times, but the Cowboys' defense and pitching kept the game close. Shiloh Klein returns and has five victories.

``She's really beginning to accept her role as far as understanding the kind of pitcher she is,'' said Humphreys. ``Instead of trying to kill every batter with speed, she understands that she's a ground-ball pitcher.''

Pitcher Jennifer Henderson is off to a 1-3 start, but two of those losses came to tough teams such as the Falcons and Westlake High. Henderson allowed just three runs in the two games.

Although Canyon's defense is coming along, its hitting has also improved.

Shortstop Sonia Zapata, who transferred from Saugus, is hitting .333 with five RBI as the No. 4 batter. Sophomore Nicole Lepine is the No. 3 batter and leads the team with seven RBI. Senior Justina Kahaku leads the team with a .414 average.

Canyon will play in the High Desert Classic this weekend, opening against Quartz Hill on Friday at Lancaster City Park.

The Vikings (5-2) are young and start two freshmen. They are coming off a tough loss to Calabasas last Thursday with underclassmen starting at third, shortstop and left and right fields.