The Brookhaven, Bogue Chitto, West Lincoln and North Pikeslowpitch softball teams remain alive as they survived the secondround of the MSHAA State Playoffs.

Now the teams must gear up for a battle in the third round, a.k.a.South State Finals, that start today. Winners will receive a berthto play for the State Championship at the V.A. Fields in JacksonSaturday. Each match is a best of three series. Admission is$7.

The Brookhaven Lady Panthers (20-8), coached by Lisa Covington, areeager to defend their 5A South State Championship as they strivefor a repeat. The Panthers swept St. Martin in two games winning18-0 and 11-3 in the second round.

BHS travels to Picayune for the third round to face the Lady MaroonTide. Game time is 4 p.m.

Picayune defeated the McComb Lady Tigers last Saturday toadvance.

In the North 5A, defending state champion New Hope travels to Pearlfor the 5A North State Championship.

The West Lincoln Lady Bears (10-15), coached by Andrew Redd, areset to defend their two-time South 1A State Championship. The Bearsneeded three game Saturday to turn back Ethel; winning the firstgame 12-2, losing the second game 5-4 and capturing the finale9-0.

West Lincoln hosts the South State 1A Championship against theBogue Chitto Lady Cats. Game time is 5 p.m. Winner will move on toface the North Champion.

In the North 1A, Wheeler will be at Smithville.

The Bogue Chitto Lady Cats (22-6), coached by Scott Leggett, willbe a familiar situation from years past as they strive to becomethe first county team to capture the slowpitch softball andfastpitch softball championship gold in the same year. The Cats hada quick workout Saturday as they eliminated the Noxapater LadyTigers, winning 8-1 twice.

Bogue Chitto has set its sights on a tough matchup as the Catstravel to West Lincoln to face their rival the Lady Bears. Gametime is 5 p.m.

The North Pike Lady Jaguars (21-5), coached by Sonya Wallace,eliminated the Quitman Lady Panthers to advance in Class 4A.

The Jags travel to Meridian to play the Northeast Lauderdale LadyTrojans. Game time is 5 p.m.

Northeast Lauderdale defeated the Poplarville Lady Hornets.

In the North 4A, West Lauderdale visits Newton County for the 4ANorth State Championship.