After splitting a pair of games in a warm-up tournament this weekend, the Goshen Eagles will open area play at home today at 3:30 p.m. against Elba.

Head coach Amy Warrick said the weekend tournament had helped focus the Lady Eagles for today’s tournament.

“They had a good time and everyone seems to be hitting really well,” Warrick said. “They seem to be focused and excited about making good hits and making plays.”

The Lady Eagles travelled to Elba last weekend for a warm-up tournament, playing two games on Friday before rain on Saturday cancelled play.

“We were able to play Florala, and we beat them 2-1,” Warrick said. “Then, we played Straughn and got beat 6-1, so we got split this weekend.”

Warrick said the team hadn’t played their best in the showing, but they were able to get their bats going.

“We hit decent against Straughn, but we hit straight toward them,” she said. “I was glad we were hitting the ball, but we seemed to have a good practice today, so I’m hopeful (today) that we will be hitting well. Most of our practice Monday was hitting.”

Warrick said the team’s enthusiasm was growing as game time crept closer and closer, and she was thankful the girls are not only excited about the game but focused as well.

“They’re talking about going to bed early. I’m just hoping that our energy carries over. That’s what I am hoping to see.”

The Eagles will face Elba at 3:30 for the start of the tournament, and having fallen to the Tigers 10-2 and 6-5 this season, Warrick said she feels the team is better prepared this time around.

“Their pitcher is an older pitcher,” Warrick said. “She pitched against us last year (and) she really got us off balance. That’s one thing I was proud of this year, we seem to be hitting their pitching much better. She has a really good change up so I would like them to remain balanced and not get too aggressive against her.”

Lizzy Golloway, the Eagles’ starting pitcher, will be in the circle for Goshen again today, and Warrick said Galloway would focus on putting the ball where it needs to be and filling the strike zone.

“If you make a mistake they can hit the ball a long way,” Warrick said. “We’re going to be really focused on her pitching a good game. Our outfield is something we’ve been working on. Elba is an outfield working team, so we’re going to make sure our outfield can adjust and work well together with Lizzy in the circle.”

If the Eagles win, they will play again Thursday at 3:30 p.m. If they lose, they will play again at 7 p.m. Tuesday.