LAKE CHARLES — The Little League Vidalia Girls Softball 14-and-under team beat Lake Charles 3-2 Saturday to advance to the championship round of the Louisiana State Tournament. Vidalia was charged by the pitching arm of Alyssa Howard and some timely hitting.

Howard twirled a gem in the circle, tossing seven strong innings, allowing just four hits and striking out five batters.

“Alyssa never gave up, and she never got her head down on the mound,” coach Leigh Anne Mason.

Not to be outdone, the Vidalia bats proved equally effective.

Shelbi Cross went 3-for-3 with two RBIs, while Makenna Patt chipped in with an RBI.

Vidalia will play at 6 p.m. today against either Blanchard or Lake Charles.