VIDALIA — The Vidalia Nationals put the ball in play Monday night, but unfortunately for the 11- and 12-year-old all-star team, the defense failed to do its part.

In a 19-9 loss to Avoyelles American in the first game of a three-team round robin double elimination district tournament, the Vidalia Nationals tallied five hits but committed six errors.

“I was pleased with the way we hit the ball, but our fielding was atrocious,” head coach Mike Bowlin said. “We made a lot of mistakes we normally don’t make, but it’s all nerves. Half of these kids haven’t played all-stars before. They got a game under their belt now.”

The Vidalia Nationals took a 3-0 lead after two throwing errors by Avoyelles allowed Abbey Hardy, Lexi Maynard and Allie Lipsy to cross home plate. However, Avoyelles scored seven runs in the bottom of the first after back-to-back errors loaded the bases and allowed Kasey Russel and Brooke Stevenson to single in multiple runs.

Following a four-run second inning, Avoyelles took a commanding 11-3 lead into the third. Vidalia refused to lie down, though. In the top of the third, Megan Hawn reached base on an error before Lipsy drew a walk.

With both runners on with no outs Tionna Ellis stepped to the plate. Normally batting in the sixth hole is Bowlin’s granddaughter Casey Larue, who was out of town attending camp during the game, so Bowlin put Ellis in that spot and asked her to come up with a big hit. Ellis delivered with a 2-RBI triple that gave Vidalia new life.

“That was the best hit of the night,” Bowlin said.

Ellis was thrilled with the hit she made, but ultimately sad to see the team fall in the fifth inning.

“We did good, but it was just too many mistakes,” Ellis said.

Shivlie Blaney recorded an RBI single in the form of a squeeze bunt to give Vidalia another run in a four-run inning. However, Avoyelles went on to close the game out and 10-run rule Vidalia to earn a spot in the winners bracket against the Vidalia Americans.

The loser between the Americans and Avoyelles will play the Nationals at 8 p.m. tonight.

“After the game, I told them three words — too many mistakes,” Bowlin said. “We can play a lot better than that, and I expect we will.”