The 2014 Dixie Softball Darlings and Angels tournaments kicked off this weekend in Dillon with a total of 14 teams competing for the state titles.

The 8U Darlings tournament includes teams from Darlington, Seneca, Jefferson, Hanahan, Aynor, and Lower Lexington, and host team Dillon. The 10U Angels tournament includes Midland Valley, Westminster, Turbeville, Colleton County, Chester, Latta, and host team Dillon.

Opening ceremonies for the tournaments were held on Saturday night at the City of Dillon Wellness Center. Door prizes were awarded and catering was done by Zaxby’s.

Darryl Miller was the Master of Ceremonies, and State Director Phil Parnell welcomed everyone to the tournament. Dillon’s head coach Shirl Carter, who helped lead the Dillon Wildcats to their first ever Class 2A state softball championship, was also a guest speaker.

Afterward, master magician John Tudor entertained the crowd with a variety of tricks.

Softball action began on Sunday with Dillon opening up the Dixie Darlings tournament with an 18-6 win over Aynor. Jefferson defeated Hanahan 14-4 in game two, and Darlington defeated Seneca 22-1 in game three.

Dillon faced Lower Lexington in game four for a 17-2 win, and Aynor eliminated Hanahan 21-0 in game five. In the other winner’s bracket game, Darlington defeated Jefferson 15-6.

Lower Lexington and Jefferson were set to kick off Monday’s action at 5:00 p.m., followed by Aynor and Seneca at 6:15 p.m. Dillon was scheduled to face Darlington at 7:30 p.m. in the winner’s bracket.

In the Angels division, Colleton County opened the state tournament with a 13-2 win over Chester, and in game two, Turbeville shut out Westminster 2-0. Dillon took on Midland Valley in game three for a come from behind 16-14 win.

Latta defeated Colleton 10-6 in game four, and Turbeville edged Dillon 4-3 in game six, while Westminster eliminated Chester 9-3 in the loser bracket.

Latta was scheduled to face Turbeville on Monday night at 7:00 p.m., and Westminster was set to face Midland Valley at 6:00 p.m. Dillon was set to open Monday night’s action at 5:00 p.m. against Colleton County.

The tournaments are scheduled to continue tonight, with the state championship games scheduled for Wednesday.

Look for photo galleries from the games to be posted soon here at thedillonherald.com!