Consistency at the plate, mixed with key defensive contributions helped the Hays Rebel softball team cruise to 14-4 run-rule win in five innings Friday over the rival Lehman Lobos.

But it was the role of team leadership that provided Hays its footing, said Lisa Cone, Rebel head softball coach. That leadership proved vital as the Rebels rallied back from an early first inning deficit en route to victory.

“We can outscore a lot of folks and they know we’ve been at tournaments where we&...