The West Jasper 9-10 year-old fastpitch All-Stars represented the State of Mississippi last week at the Dixie Softball World Series in Sumter, South Carolina.

Mississippi cruised to a 12-0 victory over Virginia in their opening game of the series. After their win, Marlee Blackwell was presented with the game ball by commissioner Zack Black for hitting a home run. After defeating Florida 2-0, Mississippi suffered its first loss to Tennessee.

They held Tennessee for four innings but gave up three runs in inning five for a 2-3 loss. The Mississippi girls were not ready to go home just yet. They dealt Alabama their second loss of the series with a 5-2 win. Following the game, once again one of the girls took home the game ball. Bailey Gilbert was presented with the game ball after hitting an over-the-fence home run in the first inning. This win would advance the team to the championship game against Tennessee.

It was a battle, but in the end, Tennessee would win the series 3-0. Tennessee would take home the first place trophy, but not until Mississippi was awarded second place and the coveted Sportsmanship award.

According to officials, it is very rare for a team competing in the championship game to receive this award. The award is based on the attitude and conduct of not only coaches and players, but also fans. The girls were also awarded the sportsmanship award at their state tournament.

This was the third consecutive year for this age group from West Jasper Recreation to win district and state and advance to the World Series.

Members of the 2009 Mississippi team are Zoey Keys, Marlee Blackwell, Abby Odom, Bailey Gilbert, Madison Parker, Parker Hester, Carly Ward, Ansley Johnson, Alex Phillips, Kadazaha Newell, Kelsey Patterson, and Canesha Agee. Coaches are Kim Blackwell, Erica Odom and Jason Hester.