WEST MONROE, La. — On their way to winning the district championship, the Ferriday Dixie Debs 16-18-year-olds outscored their opposition by a combined score of 37-7.

But even with a team that fields former Franklin County standouts Melissa McFarland and Monea Cameron, as well as former Trinity Episcopal standout Alyx Atkinson, Ferriday knew it would be in for some tough competition at the state tournament.

The Dixie Debs tried to battle the heat as well as JPRD, their opening-round opponent, but in the end lost 5-0 in a game that lasted three hours.

The determining factor in the outcome was Ferriday’s inability to come up with the big hit with runners in scoring position. Ferriday left the bases loaded in the top of the second inning and two runners on twice during the game.

“We had two runners on in the third and a girl struck out looking. We had two on in the fifth with no outs. We had opportunities, but we couldn’t push runners across,” Dixie Debs coach Dana Smith said.

The game was scoreless until the bottom of the fifth when Gaudin doubled for JPRD and later scored the game’s first run. JPRD then put the game out of reach with four runs in the bottom of the sixth.

Shelby Zimmerman came on in relief of Atkinson with the bases loaded. However, she was called for two balks and then gave up a two-run single that made it a 5-0 game. Atkinson was credited with the loss after giving up the run in the fifth.

“The heat got to them. Our shortstop, Casey Smith, is battling a high fever and throat infection. We only have nine to play,” coach Smith said.

Melissa McFarland started on the mound for Ferriday and pitched three innings of no-hit ball. Casey Smith and Madison Simpson each went 2-for-4.

The Dixie Debs will take on the loser of the Alexandria/West Monroe game today at 3 p.m. in an elimination game.