The Russell County Middle School Lady Laker softball team recently took a trip to Lexington to watch the University of Kentucky women’s softball team in action against the University of Tennessee, according to Coach Candi O’Dell.

“It was awesome,” said Natalie Loy, a member of the team. Loy, Elizabeth Smith and Meghan Whitehead all talked with the Times Journal about their trip to see fast pitch college softball up close.

“We got to stand out their with the team and we got free bracelets, posters, key chains and ID tags,” Loy said.

Smith said the UK players treated her and her team great and allowed them all-access at the game.

Whitehead said the field the UK softball team plays on is “huge and really nice.”

The girls said the UK players were all smiles and having fun and told the girls to enjoy themselves while playing the game.

“We went to the mall before we went to the game and that was fun too,” Loy said. Whitehead said the players participated in several fun activities at the game that got the crowd involved.

Before the game, each Lady Laker took the field at their position alongside a Lady Cat softball player.

All three of the girls that spoke with the Times Journal said the trip to watch the UK softball team made them want to strive to become college softball players.

Joining the girls and Coach O’Dell on the trip was Assistant Coach Ashley Jasper and several RCMS softball parents.