SLIPPERY ROCK — Fast-pitch softball is alive and well in Slippery Rock.

The Slippery Rock Storm, a 10-and-under girls team, recently completed a stellar two-year turnaround by finishing the 2010 season as Mercer County League champions with a 14-0 record.

Two years earlier, the team finished 1-13, 5-8 in 2009.

"These girls have seen first hand how hard work and dedication to a sport can pay off," Storm assistant coach Dan Hindman said.

Hindman also is the head varsity softball coach at Moniteau. His daughter, Cheyenne, pitches for the Storm. She pitched 77 innings, faced 288 batters and allowed only 36 to reach base.

Cheyenne Hindman struck out 188 and the team allowed only five runs when she pitched. In a game May 27 against Brookfield, Hindman allowed only one baserunner and struck out every other batter she faced.

"I'm happy with her progress," the elder Hindman said. "She's been playing travel ball with the Pittsburgh Pride, too.

"Softball is growing so fast in a lot of areas," he added. "New Wilmington recently finished fourth in the state in Class AA, so there's quality ball no matter where you go."

Interest in fast-pitch softball had waned in Slippery Rock in recent years and prevented the high school from fielding a varsity team on occasion.

The Storm's success has inspired hope of having a 10-and-under team and a 12-and-under squad in 2011.

"This is the kind of thing that's needed for high school programs to keep up anymore," Hindman said. "It's no different from football, basketball, soccer or any other sport.

"Travel teams, camps and clinics are everywhere. If you're not doing it, you're going to fall behind because other kids are doing it.

"Your level of competition is all about your commitment to play the game. Now that these girls have realized the reward of hard work, I think (fast-pitch) softball will be healthy in Slippery Rock for years to come," Hindman added.

Storm players began indoor practices in January. Practices moved outdoors in April. Their regimented practices included grueling conditioning and character-building exercises, including push-ups, mountain climbs, flutter kicks, sprints and running hills behind the backstop at the field.

Storm team members include Emily Kesten, Claudia Allen, Brynn Horner, Cheyenne Hindman, Julianna Hutchinson, Macy McCall, Ayslyn Duffy, Reagan Duffy, Breanna Walters, Paige McQuiston, Cara Dalcamo, Jenna Whitmer and Eva Beeching.