Subsequent to an excellent performance in the Quarterfinals, Girls Softball hopes to clinch a Region 5C Finals birth against the Eagles on May 30. Coming off their bye, the Trojans separated themselves from the Hermitage Panthers in an 11-1 victory due to seven-run inning during the bottom of the 5th. On another note, Mills Godwin traveled to Glen Allen High School to eventually collect a 3-2 victory that went into extra innings on May 26.

Midlothian has a current record of 17-3 heading into this home contest against Mills Godwin. Since May 4, they have managed to sustain a level of excellence through a seven game winning streak against teams in the Colonial and Dominion region. A huge part of this has to do with the fact that they are having quality pitching starts while being able to explode for great innings offensively during the middle of their games. Coach Layton referenced the Tampa Bay Rays as it relates to how consistently dominant this team has been as they get closer to states.

“The main reason why this Softball team has been so good this year is because of the fact that we can beat you in a variety of different ways; similar to the Tampa Bay Rays in the MLB,” Coach Layton stated. ” Our pitching has won us games, our hitting during the middle of the game has won us games, and our late game execution down the stretch of games has separated us from the rest of the region.”

Mills Godwin is heading into this game with a record of 16-7 as they get set to play their eleventh road game of the season. After three straight losses in the middle of May, the Eagles have managed to win four straight games primarily due to excellent late game execution from their bullpen.

Even though the Trojans have had recent success against this unit, the Trojans’ coaching staff has preached throughout this week to remain disciplined against a team who has done a phenomenal job of closing out games this season.

“This Eagles team likes to get out to fast starts and force their opposing teams to make ill-advised decisions,” Assistant Coach Mark Whit said. ” For us, it is going to be our job to dial up the aggression when need be in order to take ultimate control in the contest on Tuesday.”

The Trojans will be seeking revenge in this playoff matchup against the Eagles. The last time these two teams met in the regular season the Trojans controlled the entire game and beat the Eagles 5-0 on their home field.

However, Mills Godwin eliminated the Trojans out of the playoffs during a semifinals match last year; winning 10-4 and eventually emerging victorious in their matchup against the Clover Hill Cavaliers in the Region 5C Finals. Because of this, Coach Layton addressed how them losing to the Eagles last year in the playoffs lit a fire under this team to perform at the highest level during this spring season.

“Losing earlier than expected in the playoffs encouraged this group to get better and develop faster during off season training,” Coach Layton said. “Because of that, the significant improvements that have been made in the past year has given our team the chance to compete for regionals and states once again against this Godwin team.”