The Troy Darlings are ready to represent Troy in the upcoming state tournament in Scottsboro. After not having many days to practice in advance of the district tournament, Troy is taking full advantage of every practice before their trip to Scottsboro.

“We have had several good days of practice,” said Darlings head coach Neal Armstrong. “We are battling some sickness, but we have had several good days and we are looking forward to driving up there in a week.”

The Darlings are putting the finishing touches on their game.

“We are trying to round everything off,” Armstrong said. “We are working equally on offense and defense. We haven’t singled out anything in Practice. We are just trying to be as well rounded as possible.”

Armstrong said the girls’ attitudes are excellent.

“The girls have been really good about practicing,” Armstrong said. “This group of girls loves to practice. They really enjoy being out there.”

While offense is a known strength for the team, Armstrong said defense may prove the litmus test.

“Our team will hit and score runs,” Armstrong said. “They key will be will this team make the outs when the time comes and the situations are presented to us. If you can get the outs the other team is trying to give you, than your doing pretty good.”

With that being said the defense has been playing well. In the final two rounds of the district tournament Troy made plays from all over the field.

“This is a very talented team in the field,” Armstrong said. “We have talented girls at every position. We are you very talented on defense.”

This year’s Darlings team will be the first team from Troy to represent Troy in the state tournament in the last 10 years and they plan to wear that as a badge of honor.

“Troy has represented many baseball and softball age groups, but to learn that it has been 12 plus years since the 8-year-olds have made it to the state makes it a little more special for this group,” Armstrong said.

The Darlings will begin that journey at 6:30 p.m. July 8 when they take on Montgomery American at 6:30.