The Troy Dixie Darlings tournament team has battled mother nature over the past few weeks, by simply outsmarting it.

Instead of practicing amidst the raindrops and rolling thunder, the team moved practice indoors and kept on working.

“You just have to get done what you can,” said head coach Jim English. “One of our assistant coaches has access to an indoor facility, so we have been able to use that a couple of times. Having that helps quite a bit.”

The Darlings are the youngest division of Dixie Softball, with players ranging in age from 9-10 years old.

At the age level, the coach pitches the ball to the players, much like Farm League baseball.

English said that batting is an important part of the game, and his team possesses quite a bit of skill at the plate.

“We are really good top to bottom in the lineup,” English said. “Just about everyone on the team has the capability of power, and they all put the bat on the ball really well.”

The team took part in the Warm-Up Tournament a few weekends ago at the Troy Sportsplex, and gained experience for the upcoming District Tournament.

The Darlings, like their fellow Troy teams, will play host to the tournament.

English said hosting the event is much easier on everyone involved.

“It is great for us because we don’t have to ride in a car an hour, and then get loose,” English said. “They have played here all year, and pus the facilities here are the best around.”