LAKE CHARLES, La. — Becca Cowan pitched a no-hitter and the Vidalia Little League Softball 14U all-stars advanced to the state title game Saturday with a win over Moss Bluff, 15-0.

Cowan pitched all five innings in the win and recorded 10 strikeouts on her way to her second stellar performance in a row.

“She pitched really well (Friday) and only allowed two hits,” Vidalia coach Donald Bertelsen said. “Today she just came back and did even better.”

In the shutout, Bertelsen said his team’s entire defense worked diligently to stay perfect.

“We have been fortunate to have a really great defense all around,” he said. “We took advantage of every situation and just made it work.”

Bertelsen also said Vidalia’s offense was on point. Cowan, Tionna Ellis, Laiken Davis and Lexi Maynard all ended with two hits. Cowan, Davis, Maynard and Kate Parsons all hit doubles in the win.

“We started off a little sluggish because we were on a rain delay,” Bertelsen said. “Once we got started, we were just on a roll.”

Vidalia will play for the state title at 6 p.m. today against the winner of Moss Bluff and Lake Charles.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Bertelsen said. “Hopefully we will be on our way to New Mexico for another year.”

Right on key

Bertelsen said in addition to Saturday’s win, he was proud of his team for taking a challenge before the action even started.

After the park was having difficulties with its PA system, his team took it upon themselves to sing the national anthem.

“It was cool to see,” Bertelsen said.

Concordia Dixie Youth 6U all-stars eliminated from state

TIOGA, La. — The Concordia Dixie Youth 6U all-star team was eliminated from its state tournament Saturday after dropping a pair of games to Pineville and Alexandria.

Coach Beau Brashier applauded the efforts of his team despite the hard day.

“There weren’t many people outside of our group that thought we could even win one game here,” he said. “We ended up making it to the main bracket. I’m so proud of the way they played. We battled until the end.”

With a host of young talent, Brashier also said he wouldn’t be surprised to do even better in the coming year.

“We will be back,” he said. “It’s a great team. Maybe we’ll get it next year.”