After a successful run in their subdistricts, both Latta’s Dixie Belles and Dixie Ponytails were eliminated from the district tournament on Wednesday, June 27, in Latta.

Latta’s Belles had a tough time handling Georgetown in the Belles district tournament. Georgetown got off to a 3-0 lead in the first inning after Latta’s first three batters all struck out. Latta got hits in the second, but couldn’t get around the bases, while Georgetown widened the lead to 8-0 in the bottom of the inning.

Latta’s Julie Williamson got a hard hit to the pitcher in the top of the third and made it safely to first before rounding the bases and scoring on a missed ball by the catcher. Latta’s Kelsey Perry got to base and attempted to steal second, but was tagged out in the attempt to end the inning with Latta trailing 9-1.

Unfortunately it was the only run Latta would get, as Georgetown went on to claim a 19-1 win over Latta to advance to the championship game on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Latta’s Ponytails brought a lot of energy to the field and led Surfside heading into the fifth inning. Latta’s Brittany Cook hit a grounder between the short stop and third to bring in a runner to put Latta ahead 11-9, and Latta managed to get one more run before Casey Prescott was thrown out at home to end the top of the inning at 12-9.

But with one out, Surfside’s #15 hit a long one to left center to pick up two RBIs and advance to third, putting them one point behind Latta at 12-11. Surfside’s #13 singled with an RBI, giving Surfside a 13-12 lead, and by the end of the fifth, Surfside was ahead 14-12.

Latta’s Kaylie Miller hit a grounder to third for an RBI to trail 14-13, but the next out ended the game before Latta could tie things up.

Surfside was scheduled to face Marion on Thursday in the Ponytails district championship.
The winners in both divisions will advance to the state tournaments.