By KEVIN ECKLEBERRY

Daily News

A new softball season will start today, with Callaway, LaGrange and Troup each looking to get things started on a positive note.

The HOPE for a Day games will be held at Troup High, with the three teams playing a round-robin series of games.

LaGrange and Troup kick things off with a game at 10 a.m., and Callaway and LaGrange play at 11:45 a.m.

In the day’s final game, Troup and Callaway play at 1:30 p.m.

The games were played at LaGrange High’s field the past few years, and the scene has shifted to Troup this season.

LaGrange head coach Gabby Heath believes this is a fantastic way to open the season.

“It helps you prepare a little bit more than you might typically,” Heath said. “And it’s fun to get the community involved. It’s kind of like opening up softball season for the town, for the community. It’s really fun, and the girls always love it.”

While many of the players from the different teams are friends, that doesn’t mean they won’t be getting after it on Saturday.

“It’s so competitive between all three of us,” said Skye Loftin, a senior infielder for Troup. “We want to go in and take it.”

Troup head coach Kayla Yeargin said the objective is to “just go out and play hard. As long as we can get some long-term benefit, that’s our goal.”

Robyn McCann, Callaway’s second-year head coach, said all of the coaches are looking forward to the day.

“I talked to Kayla and Gabby, and we’re all excited about it,” McCann said.

HOPE FOR A DAY 

WHEN: Saturday

WHERE: Troup High

SCHEDULE: 10 a.m. – LaGrange vs. Troup; 11:45 a.m. – Callaway vs. LaGrange; 1:30 p.m. – Troup vs. Callaway