The Dr. A.L. Lott Minor League baseball team traveled to Hattiesburg Thursday night to compete in the Mississippi state Little League tournament.

This is the first time the 9-10 age group has played in the state championship competition as the Dr. A.L. Lott league completes its third year as a Little League program.

Last week, the Minor All-Stars fell short of a state title by dropping two straight games to the Hattiesburg 9-10 team. The Hattiesburg team was clicking on all cylinders and were tough to beat.

Head coach Kermit Sartin was very proud of his team’s effort by putting in the work to finish second in the state tournament.

“It definitely was a team effort considering the time we had to prepare and get ready,” Sartin said.  “I am so pleased with both our guys and our girls.”

“We always knew our program had great talent. It was only a lack of opportunities,” program director Roy Smith said. “This opportunity proves the fact. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity they will never forget. I hope this year’s success will help us build more support from our community and local businesses. We want to continue to post dreams and not bail for all our children.”

During the same period, the Little League hosted an invitational slow pitch softball tournament for the girls 9-12 division.

The Dr. A.L. Lott girls finished second in the state tournament.

“I am so proud of our team and they are deserving of this opportunity,” head coach Amber Bowman said. “All of our coaches, Jamie Jackson, Cathy Cameron and Latonza Cameron helped my team this season to success.”