In her first start of the season, Norton High ace Kelly Nelson was downright nasty. The junior righthander struck out 17 of the 18 Middleboro hitters she faced in a 13-0 win. Yes, it was a perfect game.

The one non-strikeout? A popup on a bunt attempt in the fifth inning.

It wasn’t terribly surprising. In a breakout sophomore campaign, Nelson threw four no-hitters, two perfect games, struck out 336 batters, and finished with a 0.26 ERA, lifting the Lancers to a 21-2 season and the Division 2 South semifinals.

She’s already in midseason form. On Tuesday, Nelson (3-0) struck out 13 and ­allowed one hit and one walk in a 14-1 win over Acton-Boxborough.

On the softball diamond, an ace can be the difference between competing for a state title and struggling to make the tourney.

At the beginning of the season, with players adjusting to new roles — and when practice time might be limited due to inclement weather — a reliable starter can have a greater impact.

They can make up for inexperience at other positions and keep the team in the game when the hits aren’t coming.

“That’s certainly a position I don’t have to worry too much about,’’ said Norton third-year coach Wade Lizotte.

“It’s a position that I have a solid veteran out there and it certainly makes it a little bit easier. So that’s where having veterans really helps us out so that when you get on the field we’re not starting from scratch.’’

Nelson is one of a number of aces returning to the circle this spring, ready to steady the ship in the sometimes turbulent early-season schedule.

Adrianna Favreau is back after pitching Tewksbury to the Division 2 state final last June, a 3-2, eight-inning loss to Hampshire Regional.

“In baseball they say that pitching is 75 percent of the game,’’ Tewksbury coach Leo DiRocco said. “Softball’s the same way. If you have a pitcher, you can stay in every game.’’

Austin Prep coach Frank Sorrenti welcomed back Logan MacDonald after she went 17-3 last year with a 0.90 ERA.

“Pitching is the name of the game and to have that part of it in order in the early part of the year or before the season starts, it’s a huge relief,’’ Sorrenti said.

And that “huge relief’’ ­allows coaches to focus on getting the rest of the the team up to speed.

“When you don’t have to spend time worrying about your pitching, you can devote time to those other positions and try to nail down the supporting cast,’’ said Sorrenti.

At King Philip Regional and Silver Lake, the perspective is now a bit different with the graduation of stalwarts Kali Magane (now at Boston University) and Maddy Barone (Southern New Hampshire University).

KP, the defending Division 1 state champion, is handing the ball to senior Jenn Hutnyan.

“Jenn plays a lot of travel ball so she pitches a lot in the summertime,’’ said King Philip coach Norm Beauchemin. “She knows the game and she knows how to pitch, it’s just a question of mental toughness.’’

Silver Lake will turn to senior Jill Richards.

“The big thing, especially with new pitchers, is that they need to develop a relationship with the catcher where they’re communicating and are on the same page. I think that’s vital,’’ said Silver Lake coach Tony ­Pina.

“Also the pitcher needs confidence in the defense behind her . . .,’’ Pina added. “The sooner those relationships develop I think the stronger we’ll be.’’

There is no question there is a benefit in starting the season with a proven ace. But their impact will be profound whether they are established or a complete unknown.

Brandan Blom can be reached at brandan.blom@globe.com.