Dixie softball all-stars win sub-district titles
Three Hartselle Dixie softball all-star teams claimed championship honors in sub-district tournament action last week and remained in the running for a shot at a state title after two rounds of district tournament competition Friday and Saturday.
Playing at Underwood, the 7-8 Darlings stayed on track for a sixth straight state title by hammering Greenhill 20-13 in opening round district action Friday night. The final is scheduled on Thursday.
“These girls have been together for some time and are doing well,” said head coach Brandon Dutton. “The have a good attitude, practice hard and have a desire to get better.
In Friday’s game, they were down by one run at one point in the game but came back the next inning and regained the lead.
A Hartselle Darlings team has won a state championship five years in a row and won a world championship title in 2008.
Team members are Allie Anders, Kenzie Chumley, Braylie Coffey, Chaney Dutton, Anna Ferguson, Maddie Feguson, Tori Hughes, Jessica Jarrett, Brooke Nelson, Abby Schonebaum, Maggie Smith and Presley Weldon. Assistant coaches are Michael Chumley, Shannon Ferguson, Benji Hughes and Dusty Winsett.
The 11-12 Angels scored 46 runs and didn’t give up a single run in their sweep of sub-district opponents. However, they were caught off guard in Friday’s opening round of district play as they lost to Rogersville, 0-5.
It didn’t take long for them to regain their composure, however, as they bounced back to defeat Decatur on Saturday, 10-0.
“They (Rogersville) had a good pitcher and our girls were kinda caught off guard,” said head coach Chad Bevis. “But I still think we’ve got a good shot at winning district and getting back to state.
Ten of the team’s 12 players have experience playing for a world champiohship as members of the Darlings all-stars.
The 11-12 Ponytails had an easy time getting by their first two opponents in district play. They defeated Muscle Shoals 22-7 on Friday and upended host Rogersville 12-4 on Saturday.
The team averaged scoring 13 points and allowed only 1.25 runs per game in winning the sub-district title at Haleyville.
“They all work together and have performed well hitting the ball,” said head coach Kenny Hogan.
Kennedy Hogan led the sub-district in hitting with four home runs, including a bases- loaded homer.
Finals in all three age division will be played Thursday.
