The Lady Cats varsity softball team is forging on, even in the face of devastation to gain the title of State Champion.

The team headed out to practice on Monday afternoon to prepare for their game against Statesboro in the second round of State Playoffs.

Coach Christopher Bryant said the team has wanted to practice since Friday and just wants to get back to normal in the midst of everything.

The team knows what they are up against. They will be playing Statesboro, who they lost to last year in the first round.

“They are a great ball club,” Bryant said. “We are going to have to tie our shoes on this one.”

The team is ready to buckle down and give the community something to be positive about.

Player Halle Cannon said the team will not let the circumstances surrounding them keep them from getting this win. She said she knows a win would bring positivity in the community and that is something they are striving for.

Cannon said the team is working hard on hitting, playing defense and playing offense. The team knows the community is still on their side, as some people have volunteered to come help them clean the field, so they can play at home on Thursday.

Cannon hopes people take a break from all the hardships and come out and enjoy the game Thursday. They want to bring a smile to all of their supporter’s faces.

Makayla Hamilton said they are going to continue to ride this train and bring home a win.

The first game starts at 2 p.m. Thursday afternoon at the Bearcat Diamonds and will be followed by a second game, best two out of three wins. The third game will be Friday.