The Troy area backed up its claim of having some of the best softball in the state of Alabama by putting six players on the Alabama Sports Writers Association All-State Team.

Two players from Pike Liberal Arts, Goshen and Zion Chapel earned nods from the sports writers across the state.

Bailey Rushing, an eighth grader from Pike Liberal Arts, was selected as All-State First team third baseman and Lady Patriot catcher, and 2014 Messenger All-Area Player of the Year, Kayla Benton was an honorable mention catcher.

“Bailey works five-days-a-week every week on softball,” said Pike head coach Allie Park. “She loves the game, and will be a huge part of our team for years to come. Kayla Benton is a phenomenal all-around athlete and is a leader on and off the field. I honestly can’t wait to get back on the field in January to work with these girls.”

Goshen’s Lizzy Galloway and Haley Hughes represented the Lady Eagles on the All-State team. Galloway and Hughes led the Lady Eagles to a third-straight trip to the state tournament in 2014.

While selected as an outfielder, Galloway did most of her work from inside the pitching circle during the run to the tourney.

“Lizzy really carried us down the down the stretch,” said Goshen head coach Amy Warrick. “We were down to one pitcher during the last part of the season, and she put us on her back and carried us. I really don’t know where we would’ve wound up if not for her.”

Haley Hughes earned an honorable mention nod at third base as well.

“Haley has been through a lot this year, and really did an outstanding job for us on the defensive side of the ball,” said Warrick. “She takes pride in her defense, and finally got some reward for her bat. She has led us in batting average for a couple of years now, so I am really proud of her.”

Zion Chapel finished as the state runner-up, and two of the main reasons the Lady Rebels accomplished the feat were Alex Ketcham and Shelby Sorrells.

Sorrells was selected to the first team as a pitcher, and Ketcham was an honorable mention at second base.

Zion Chapel head coach Chelsi Jones feels the Lady Rebs wouldn’t have been as strong if not for the leadership shown by the seniors.

“Shelby, Alex and Whitney (Rugg, ZC catcher) did a great job all year, as well as they entire career,” Jones said. “I am super proud of them to get this honor and they each truly deserve it. Shelby was our leader in the circle all year, and Alex did some amazing things in the field. It was a great year for Zion Chapel softball and I can’t wait for the future to get here.”