By Brian Anderson

The Troy Angels are ready to swing their bats, as they get ready for district competition. They have been preparing a long time and ready to compete against another team other than their own.

“We really want to play well and win our first game Friday,” head coach Matt Leverette said. He stressing to his young pitchers to keep the ball in the strike zone and stay fundamentally sound throughout the pitch.

“You always see big improvements this time of the year because the girls are practicing more and have more opportunities than during the regular season,” he said. The main improvement he has seen from his girls is hitting.

He said his team getting more contact on the ball and their team defensive is very solid.

“We are working hard on every aspect of the game from base running, to pitching, to catching and hitting,” he said. He has put extra focus on the pitchers and catchers. They have come to practice an hour early before practice.

Assistant coach Max Bundy said the girls are doing much better at hitting. They are hitting much faster pitches and they are looking forward to their first game.

“We want the girls to win Friday so they can play Saturday night and won’t be in the heat. It also will be a lot easier on the girls at night too,” he said.

The girls have a pitching coach who comes two to three times a week. Bundy said the coach is helping the girls hit their spots better.

“We have challenged our pitchers on every pitch go as hard as they can and we want the infielders to have zero errors,” he said.

The nine and 10-year-old all-stars begin district play Friday at 8:00 p.m. They will take on Opp at Troy Sports and Recreation Center on Field 7.

“They have done a good job of preparing and now we want them to play hard and have fun that is what it’s all about,” Leverette said.