The Central Softball team opened the season strong in Texas yesterday. The 24th ranked Dutch rocked Howard Payne 11-0 in five innings at the opening game of the LeTourneau (Texas) Invitational Thursday night. Originally scheduled as part of Friday’s tournament action, the game was moved up because of anticipated wet weather. Junior Pitcher Kiley Lythberg tossed a one-hit shutout, walking three and striking out four. Lythberg also went 3-for-3 at the plate as the Dutch pounded out 13 hits and started the game with a seven-run first-inning.. Sophomore center fielder Holly Von Fumetti , who missed her freshman season due to injury, belted her first home run, a two-run shot in the fourth inning, and also singled in a run. Third baseman Afton Nelson first baseman Katie Tenboer and left fielder Emily Te Brink each had two hits. Te Brink drove in three runs. The competition level gets stronger today as the Dutch are slated to take on No. 23-ranked Hardin-Simmons (Texas) off to a 2-0 start, at 1 p.m., weather permitting.