Just eight games into the regular season, the Statesboro softball team has surpassed its win total from a year ago. After starting the season 0-4, the Lady Blue Devils are starting to rebound at just the right time, winning their last four games.
    However, the big test is yet to come as the Lady Blue Devils prepare for the 14th annual ‘Battle in the Boro.’ The battle begins today as SHS will take on Cross Creek at 3 p.m. followed by Treutlen County at 5 p.m.
    Head coach Jim Simmons said he’s thrilled his team is 4-4, but the time for celebration is over.
    “To be just eight games into the season and already have our fourth win is great and the girls are really excited about that. To win four games in a row they are taking it the right way,” Simmons said. “I know it’s a little cliche, but the moment is over for us. They know that it’s good to be excited, but they know there’s a lot of work to be done.”
    The two-day tournament will be a test for the Devils. After Friday's action, the team will face Camden County and Dublin Saturday.
    This year’s team is full of young talent. SHS has just one senior on the roster. Senior captain Alexis Costlow said she’s excited for her final year and thinks the team will be more competitive at this year's tournament.
    “I think we’ll do better than previous years because we have a lot of girls that have already played together and have more experience,” Costlow said.
    After the tournament, the Devils will go right into their region schedule starting with Effingham County, Tuesday.
    “I think we’re going to be facing some higher-level teams (at the tournament) and the region is tough with Effingham and South Effingham. Most of our region is really good so this will help us get one foot in the door,” Costlow said.
    Junior first baseman Kalli Harsha has played with SHS for three years. Harsha said this year’s team is more capable and more competitive.
    “I think our team this year is a lot more capable, as far as talent goes, so I’m really excited to see what we can do this year in the tournament,"
    “There’s a lot of teams that have beat us in the past in this tournament, so this will be a good test to see where we stand.”