The Charles Henderson Lady Trojans stared the end of their season in the face four different times over a two-day period in the regional tournament in Gulf Shores, and fended it off each and every time.

The Lady Trojan softball team dropped their tournament opener to Alabama Christian 3-2, before reeling off four consecutive wins, three of them coming on Saturday, to earn the schools first state tournament berth since 2004.

Charles Henderson defeated Monroe County 18-3, Andalusia 10-0, LAMP 12-9 and Ashford 1-0 to earn the trip to the state tourney. CHHS coach Jason Easterling said that he is proud to be part of the team, and the run they have had.

“I love this team,” said Easterling. “They have a workman like attitude everyday. They knew that had to win out to make it, and they never flinched. They stayed calm and took care of business.”

Charles Henderson finished runner up in the area tournament to Ashford, and received a pitching performance of a lifetime from senior Becca Hartley to knock off the Lady Jackets and lay claim to a tournament spot.

The type of game the two teams played surprised Easterling and the rest of the coaching staff.

“You don’t see too many softball games like the Ashford game,” Easterling said. “We have lost so many one-run games this season, that it feels amazing. We were really no hit that day, but got a steal, a push bunt and an error to win it. It was just an amazing game, and an amazing day on Saturday.”

Charles Henderson opens the state tournament against the defending 4A state champions, Haleyville on Thursday morning at 10:30 a.m. at Lagoon Park in Montgomery.

Easterling said that the coaches have stressed to the players that last year doesn’t mean anything now.

“We have told them that last year’s team won last year’s state title,” said Easterling. “It is a new season now, and every team is on equal standing. Anybody can win this thing.”