WINNSBORO, La. — For the Ferriday Dixie Girls fastpitch softball All-Stars five could be the magic number.

It’s been five years since the 16- to 18-year-old team — composed of different players, of course — made a run to the league’s world series.

And this year, they could be on track to do it again, coach Rut Horne said Saturday night.

The girls jumped out to an early lead and a big win in their first district game, beating Delhi 10-0.

Eleven hits helped, but the team rode largely on the back of three pitchers, Horne said.

Alyx Atkinson, Melissa McFarland and Cacey Smith combined for a three hitter and the shutout.

“We have a very good team this year,” Horne said. “We have six above average pitchers, and the pitching appears to be dominating. All summer long that was the case and it looks like it may carry on.”

Leslie Wagoner and Whitney Roark had two hits each, and Smith, Atkinson, McFarland, Heather Havard, Ellen Bainsfather and Taylor Morace had one a piece.

The girls will play Jonesville tonight at 8 in the winners bracket. The tournament is double elimination.

Horne said the girls have the potential to go all the way, but must first focus on the task at hand.

“We’ve got to get out of district,” he said. “It’s the toughest district in the state.”

The district includes Winnsboro, Ferriday and Rayville.