MARRERO, La. — Bailey Book pitched four innings of shutout, one-hit softball, and Brianna Henson went 2-for-4 with a double as the Ferriday Dixie Belles defeated the Winnsboro Dixie Belles 8-3 Monday morning at the Louisiana Dixie Belles State Tournament.

Book was the winning pitcher as she struck out four batters and walked just one. Jania Burns came in and gave up three runs on four hits and three walks to go with two strikeouts in three innings.

“It was a tough game all seven innings. The girls were excited because they felt like they could beat them again,” Ferriday Dixie Belles head coach Jeanie Beach said. “I think they played with confidence. They played fired up the entire game. That helped us out a lot.”

Both Book and Burns had a double in the game to help their cause. Beach said it was important to have Book come out when she did so she could pitch a couple of innings in against Ward 10. That game was scheduled to start at 8 p.m., but a long weather delay forced it to start more than two hours later.

Beach added that she was very pleased with the team’s defensive effort throughout the game.

“We didn’t have too many errors. We played defense well,” Beach said. “They knew they beat a good team because Winnsboro’s a great team.”

Ferriday Gators 3, Jefferson Parish Recreational Department 0

PINEVILLE, La. — Mollie Devening pitched a complete-game three hitter and Ellen Bairnsfather went 3-for-3 as the Ferriday Gators defeated the Jefferson Parish Recreational Department Dixie Debs Monday night to advance to the finals of the Louisiana Dixie Debs State Tournament.

“Kudos to Mollie Devening. She pitched a three-hitter against a very good team,” Ferriday Gators head coach Rut Horne said. “Our kids played great defensively. Our outfielders played outstanding tonight. Peyton Monticello made a running catch in the first inning on a line drive. Kennedy Beard in centerfield and Jody Duncan in left also made good running catches on hard-hit balls.”

Horne saidoffensive strategy contributed to the Gators scoring all three of their runs with Duncan driving in two of those runs. But there was also a detriment to that style of play and it cost them several runs. Thankfully, it did not cost them the game.

“We put the ball down, and they couldn’t throw us out,” Horne said. “We had the bases loaded twice and didn’t get a run out of it. We had eight or 10 runners left on base. With the bases loaded, you can’t really bunt.”

Ferriday will take on Madisonville at 6 p.m today. If the Ferriday Gators win, they will go through the tournament undefeated. If Madisonville wins that game, a second and deciding game will take place after the conclusion of the first game.