The Goshen softball team has already made history.

Saturday, the Lady Eagles will try to add some more history to their resumes.

Goshen will play in a sub-state series for the first time ever Saturday when it faces Hale County on the road. Goshen finished second in its sectional tournament and will play the first game of the best-of-three series Saturday at 10 a.m.

"I am proud of these girls," Goshen coach Dee Hughes said. "We started playing fast pitch before any of the small schools were going to it. We had to play bigger schools and our record didn't look good.

"I don't play easy teams; I schedule strong teams. That makes us stronger."

Goshen will face a very tough team in Hale County. Hale County has two strong pitchers who like to throw in the mid-50s.

Goshen's top pitcher throws in the mid-40's, but Hughes is not ready to throw in the towel.

"I told our players that sometimes teams are overconfident," Hughes said. "Our opponent did not lose a game in sectionals, but if we get after it, we might be able to beat them."

Goshen's top pitcher is freshman Heather West. She has been with the Eagles since her seventh-grade season and quickly moved up the depth chart.

Her bravery, though, may be stronger now than when she was starting out as a young player. Two weeks ago, her mother was rushed to the hospital. She is still there, but West continues to play.

"I could have pitcher her more, but she was getting tired," Hughes said of her sectional performance. "She normally doesn't get tired, and I think all the stuff weighing on her was the reason."

Hughes called West the MVP of the season. She will be expected to perform well if the Eagles are to get to Montgomery for the state finals.

"We are happy to be in the final 16, but we want to get to the final eight," Hughes said.

All three games will be played Saturday.