The Andalusia Lady Bulldogs are excited about the opportunity to play in the Class 4A state semifinals against Anniston today in Birmingham.

“We’re just playing for the sheer fact that we haven’t been here before,” Andalusia coach Bennie Shellhouse said. “So, none of these girls have had a chance to experience it. They are here to play hard.”

Andalusia (25-3) won the South Regional championship against Thomasville Saturday in Troy.

Shellhouse said the keys to the game today would take place on defense.

“We’re just going to try to play hard,” he said. “Anniston is a really good team. They’ve got a good one dominant player and we’re just going to try and contain her and try to rebound. Rebounding and defense are the keys for us.”

Shellhouse said keeping the girls focused on today has not been too difficult.

“I think they are really excited about the opportunity, so I think it’s really been easier to focus the girls,” Shellhouse said. “They really are just excited about this opportunity.”

The Lady Bulldogs held a practice at UAB Tuesday night to prepare for today’s game. The game today starts at noon in the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Arena.