The Royals’ softball team has been preparing all season for their most important games: sections. Today, the softball team begins their journey to state after a great season for the girls finishing with a (9-9-0) record and a (5-4-0) record in the Lake Conference.

In the 6AAAA section, eight teams will be competing: HHS [1], Wayzata [2], Robbinsdale Armstrong [3], Robbinsdale Cooper [4], Edina [5], Minneapolis Southwest [6], St. Louis Park [7] and Minneapolis Washburn [8].

“Today, all we have to do to win is play our game and respect our opponent. It’s hard not to think about being ranked first and going against the eighth seeded team, but we are confident that we will come out strong no matter who we play,” said Natalie DenHartog, sophomore. “As long as we play our game and make the routine plays, we will be able to win any game.”

This year and also this week, the girls have been working hard at covering bunts and ground balls, cuts, tweeners, and on their swings.

The Royals will be playing Minneapolis Washburn today at 3 p.m.

“I am excited to play with the section team and get back to the nerve-racking intense atmosphere of softball playoffs,” DenHartog said.