Brianna Henson launched a three-run homer and tossed seven strong innings late Sunday night to help lift the Ferriday Gators to a 9-4 state championship win over Winnsboro at the Dixie Debs state tournament in West Monroe.

The state title was the Gators third straight.

“This group is really, and it’s all about pitching,” Gators coach Rut Horne said.

In addition to Henson, the grizzled coach said the arms of Bailey Book and Elizabeth help make this year’s Gators squad one of his strongest.

“Good pitching always beats good hitting,” he said.

The Gators pounded out 12 hits in the win, pushing its record to 25-0 for the year.

They will look to keep the momentum going July 29 at the World Series when they face tournament host Alexandria.