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<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"LONDON \u2014 If South Laurel is going to bring home a state championship, the Lady Cardinals will have to find a way to get past 9th Region champion Highlands first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While most teams would hope for an easy first round matchup to get settled in at the state tournament, South Laurel coach Carly Mink said she\u2019s not worried about how the draw went. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAll 16 teams in this tournament are there for a reason, and we\u2019re not worried about the draw or the road to advance,\u201d she said. \u201cOur mindset is one game at a time, and controlling what\u2019s in our control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAll 16 teams have a chance at a state crown,\u201d Mink added. \u201cWe have a good team and we are going to go compete at the highest level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLaurel County in general is rich in softball tradition and to be able to represent our community this year is special to us,\u201d Mink continued. \u201cSouth Laurel has had many great teams with great players and a rich tradition. We are proud to get this program back to the state tournament and hope to add to its legacy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If South Laurel is going to advance, Mink said leadership will play a big role. <\/p>\n\n\n\n