OAK GROVE, LA. – Copiah-Lincoln Community College softballsignees Monea Cameron and Melissa McFarland stepped up in a big wayFriday night.

The Franklin County twosome helped the Ferriday All-Stars to theNortheast Louisiana Dixie Debs 16-18 year olds District Tournamenttitle by beating West Carroll 5-0 to secure a spot in next week’sDixie Debs fastpitch softball State Tournament in West Monroe, LA.,July 18.

Cameron belted a grand slam, and added a double, a single, and astolen base. McFarland allowed one hit on the mound, striking outnine in going the distance.

“Melissa worked the corners in and out tonight and did an excellentjob, said Ferriday All-Stars coach Dana Smith, who is aided by MyraStewart and her husband Mickey Smith as co-coaches on the team.

Cameron provided the fireworks while McFarland was sitting themdown. The speedster Cameron, a two-sprt star at Franklin County,found her power swing early and often by connecting onfence-reaching double in the first inning and a powerful grand slamin the bottom of the third.

“I just did my best,” said a smiling Cameron after the game.

Seven Franklin County girls make up the 11-member FerridayAll-Stars team: Kacey Smith, Taylor Stewart, Shaniquia Cameron,Monea Cameron, Melissa McFarland, Courtney Reid, and RaineeBethley.

Shortstop Kacey Smith plated two singles in the game, and alsocollected the final out off a West Carroll pop-up. Stewart and Reidalso reached base safely.

“We played well, and I’m proud of the girls,” added Coach DanaSmith. “It feels good to be going to the state tournament.”

The Ferriday All-Stars outscored their opponents 40-8 in thedistrict tournament. Each player and coach were awarded medals andtrophies following the game. Ferriday will be making its secondstraight state tournament appearance.

In the Dixie Belles championship game, for girls 13-15-years ofage, Meadville’s Heidi Thornton had two hits and collected the savein a 2-1 Ferriday win over Winnesboro.

The Ferriday Dixie Belles were paced by four Franklin County girlson its team: Desiree Buie, KeKe Collins, Latroya Griffin, andThornton.

Buie had two hits in the game as well. Thornton collected the finalthree outs on the mound for the win and a spot in next week’s DixieBelles State Tournament in Pineville, La.