The Troy Sweetees are getting better each time they practice, and head coach Anthony Dixon can’t wait to see how the team fares at the state tournament.

The Sweetees begin play at 5 p.m. Friday in Montgomery.

“I think they are having a lot of fun and having a good time,” Dixon said. “They get to spend time with other girls playing softball and learning the game.”

Dixon said the team has focused on improving fundamentals since the district tournament.

“They have made a dramatic improvement from the time they started until now,” Dixon said. “We have gotten better and better with every practice. We couldn’t be more proud of their effort and with how hard they have been playing.”

And he said those fundamentals could be the difference between winning and losing at state.

“It’s the same as for when they get older, it’s all about the fundamentals,” Dixon said. “That’s what sets you a part. The ones that are better at fundamentals are the ones that are going to win the game.”

The Sweetees played their district tournament in Troy, so the girls are excited to travel for the state tournament.

“The girls are really looking forward to it,” Dixon said. “They have been talking about going to Montgomery and playing. They are excited for the opportunity to travel and play in a tournament.”

And Dixon said the experience is as important as the final score. “The most important thing for them is to have fun. What I want them to take out of this is I hope they have a good time and they win a few ball games.”

Troy will begin play at 5 p.m. Friday against Underwood.