By By Todd Thompson, Hartselle Enquirer
A national title is now well within reach for the Hartselle Darlings and the Hartselle Ponytails, who will be representing the state of Alabama this weekend in Dixie Softball World Series tournaments in Pineville, La.
The two tournaments feature 12-team brackets state championship teams and the host teams.
The Hartselle Darlings will open the tournament against Virginia state champion South Hill Friday afternoon. The winner will take on the winner of the Montgomery County, N.C.-Hopkins County American, Texas matchup.
Other teams participating in the Darlings’ World Series will be Wahneta, Fla.; Jasper County, Ga.; Pineville; Summertown, Tenn.; Alexandria National of Louisiana; Mena, Ark.; West Jasper, Miss.; and District Five, S.C.
Hartselle’s lineup certainly has proven to be potent in its run to the World Series. In five wins at the state tournament, Hartselle outscored its opponents 85-20.
The Hartselle Ponytails will face East Columbus, N.C. in the first round of the tournament. A win would send Hartselle to a second-round matchup with either Hopkins County American of Texas, or George County Southern, from Mississippi.
Other teams participating in the Ponytails’ World Series will be Dinwiddie, Va; Mena, Ark.; Alexandria National of Louisiana; Lancaster, S.C.; Dyersburg/Dyer County, Tenn.; Pineville; and Columbia County, Ga.
The Hartselle Ponytails outscored their opponents 28-6 in the tournament and closed out the title with shutout wins over Troy and Montgomery American.