Students hold a banner at a community pep rally Tuesday night.

The Tigers track and softball teams were honored at a community pep rally Tuesday night in front of the firehouse.

About two-hundred fans came out to cheer on the state-bound teams.

The boys track team will compete in two events on Friday afternoon.

The 4x400 Relay Team of Eric Salley, Brice Baumgardner, Joe Yoder, and Lance Kitchen runs at 12:10 and Regional Discus Champ Nate Bratka competes at three-thirty. (Audio interviews and photos included.)

L to R: Nate Bratka, Eric Salley, Lance Kitchen, Brice Baumgardner, Joe Yoder, and head coach Bart Zirkle

The softball team will play in the Division III State Semifinal at Firestone Stadium in Akron Thursday.

The Tigers (31-1) will battle Wellington (22-4). Game time is three o'clock.

You can hear live coverage on 1390 WBLL. Also, the game will be streamed live on peakofohio.com.

Both teams are making their first appearance in the state tournament.

WLS advanced to state after beating North Union 4-1 in the regional final.

The Dukes defeated Akron Manchester 5-0 in the regional title game in Massillon last Saturday.

West Liberty-Salem pitcher Emily Kauffman has been machine-like all season. She has only given up two runs the entire tournament. The senior spoke with Bill Tipple after the pep rally.

Listen to the entire interview.

Sophomore shortstop Abbey Ledford is looking forward to the state tourney. The captain also spoke with Tipple after the pep rally.

Hear more from Ledford.

Here is head coach Lanay Detwiler's starting lineup and batting order:

1. Abbey Ledford, sophomore, shortstop

2. Devon Woodruff, senior, center field

3. Shae Blake, senior, second base

4. Haleigh Hickenbottom, junior, catcher

5. Ellie Mescher, senior, left field (Kaitlyn Kite, designated player)

6. Katie Detwiler, freshman, first base

7. Emily Kauffman, senior, pitcher

8. Brittany Mayse, junior, right field

9. Sami Konkle, junior, third base

The winner of the West Liberty-Salem/Wellington game will play the winner of Elmwood/Hebron Lakewood in the state championship game Saturday at 12:30.

Good luck Tigers!!!!

The WLS softball team poses after the pep rally.

L to R: Captains Devon Woodruff, Emily Kauffman, and Abbey Ledford

Coach Detwiler says her team is ready to go!!!

Superintendent Linda Sparks gave an inspirational speech at the rally.