The 2018 Andalusia Lady Bulldog softball team is ready to play their first full season at the new softball field at AHS.

“The girls are very excited to break in our new field,” Lady Bulldogs’ head coach Anthony Mikel said. “We played three games here last year, but it’s still new to us. We are very thankful to the City of Andalusia for allowing us to use their field all these years, but there is nothing like having your own turf.”

Andalusia will open the season on the road when they take on Straughn on Feb. 22.

In the short time the Lady Bulldogs have been practicing, Mikel said he is liking what he seeing.

“We have a lot of girls back this year that have a lot of experience,” Mikel said. “This year, we added another pitcher, Sydney Arnett, to go along with Sydney Ray and Mary Katherine Salter. I’ve seen a lot of good things from the team in what little time we have been able to practice.”

Mikel said that he has placed two goals for the team this year.

“Our first goal is to get better every game and play our best every game,” Mikel said. “Our second goal is to be playing on the 17th, 18th and 19th of May. For those that don’t know, that’s the state tournament. I honestly believe that the sky is the limit for us.”

To help prepare the Lady Bulldogs for a chance at a playoff run, Mikel said that he has scheduled more tournaments and games this season.

“We are going to be playing a lot more tournaments this year,” Mikel said. “I wanted to get the girls ready for playoff time and oriented to tournament situations. We are also going to be playing in three tournaments that we will have to stay overnight before we get to regionals. Just getting them acclimated to staying overnight is going to be a big thing.”

Mikel said that the Lady Bulldogs are working hard to get ready for the season.

“Our defense has been looking really good at practice,” Mikel said. “We have to continue to improve at reading situations, and know what to do in certain situations.”

This season, Mikel said the Lady Bulldogs will offer season pass packages.

A one-person season pass may be purchased for $35.

A couple’s season pass may be purchased for $60.

A family pass may be purchased for $85, and covers everyone living in the household.

Season passes are good for all home games, excluding tournaments.”

Season passes may be purchased at AHS.

The Lady Bulldogs first home game will be Feb. 27.