If you’ve ever been to the Troy Parks and Recreation sports complex, you’ll notice at the entrance of fields 5-8 a plaque engraved on the ground that is dedicated to the young athletes that dedicate their time to representing the community on the field.

Following that is a number of “Hollywood like” baseballs that honor past Dixie World Series champions.

The Troy Dixie Angels tournament team is hopeful that they will join that elite group by the end of next week as they begin their quest for a Dixie World Series crown this weekend when the tournament kicks off in Troy.

“We’re hoping we can represent Troy in a good way,” head coach Shane Calhoun said.

The girls have been vigorously preparing for the tournament, with a number of two a days that will get them ready for the long road ahead.

“We’re just trying to get our endurance up,” Calhoun said.

“Our girls have really worked hard. This last week we practiced twice a day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. We’re just hoping to make a good showing.”

The Angels have something that the other teams that are participating do not have and have no way of preparing for: Home field.

With the Angels X-play World Series in Troy, it will give them a significant advantage, as the good majority of Pike County will be out and about to show their support.

Troy also gains another advantage being the host team, as they don’t have to play the very first day and will receive a bye, giving them a chance to scout out the competition that they will be facing this weekend and in the coming days.

“Troy has a good history of representing Troy in the World Series, even when they’re not here,” Calhoun said.

“I think having one here for the girls softball is great. I’d like to thank the rec. department for going out and getting the World Series to host it. I think it will be a big boost to Troy.”

After a impressive outing at the State Tournament, the expectations for this Troy team to come out on top are fairly high, but Calhoun hopes that these girls will get more out of this experience than just a World Series trophy.

“Just the experience together, the teamwork, the fellowship they have with one another out here on the field,” Calhoun said.

Troy will begin tournament play this Sunday at 10 am. They will face the winner of the South Carolina and Texas game.