The MHSAA State Slowpitch Softball playoffs begin today as several local teams participate in the march to the championship finals in Jackson.

The area teams participating in the playoffs are West Lincoln, Bogue Chitto, Brookhaven, Wesson, Lawrence County, Franklin County and North Pike. Each series will be played in a best-of-3 format.

Bogue Chitto (19-9, 4-0), coached by Scott Leggett, won the Region 8-1A crown and will host the opening round of the Class 1A playoffs. The Lady Cats will entertain the French Camp Academy Lady Panthers. Game time is 4 p.m.

West Lincoln (23-4, 6-0), coached by Andrew Redd, finished in first place in Region 7-2A and captured their second straight division crown. The Lady Bears will host the opening round of the 2A playoffs against the Eupora Lady Eagles. Game time is 4:30 p.m.

Brookhaven (15-11, 10-0), coached by Mandy Vinson, dominated the Region 5-5A/6A race to clinch their second straight softball crown. They will be looking to make a big impact in the 5A/6A race. The Lady Panthers host the Wayne County Lady War Eagles. Game time is 5 p.m.

Wesson (12-13, 6-0), coached by Michelle Nunnery, finished in first place in Region 7-3A action to secure their second straight district crown. The Lady Cobras are ready to off their young talent in the 3A playoff race as they entertain the Philadelphia Lady Tornadoes. Game time is 5 p.m.

Lawrence County (20-8, 3-1), directed by coach Meleah Howard, finished in second place in their Region 7-4A race. The Lady Cougars travels to Collinsville to battle the West Lauderdale Lady Knights. Game time is 5 p.m.

Franklin County, coached by Sally Case, is eager to have a successful outing in the 3A playoff race. The Lady Bulldogs finished runners-up in Region 7-3A and will invade Philadelphia to tangle with the Choctaw Central Lady Warriors. Action begins at 5 p.m.

North Pike (12-6, 3-1), coached by Sonya Wallace, claimed first place title in the Region 7-4A race and will be hunting for more success in the playoff race. The Lady Jaguars will welcome the Quitman Lady Panthers to Summit. Game time is 5 p.m.

Second round action is set for Saturday. Third round/ South State Championships will be next Tuesday. State championships are scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 25, at Freedom Ridge Park in Ridgeland.