Vidalia took its first step towards a return trip to the state playoffs on Tuesday as it raced past Ferriday 16-0 in a game called after just two and a half innings.

The game was the district opener for both schools, and it was clear from the beginning that the Lady Tigers were in trouble against the Vikings (8-1, 1-0).

Vidalia starting pitcher Amanda Strickland was dominant from the first pitch as she allowed only three base runners in three innings of no-hit work. She also struck out seven batters on the day.

&uot;She (Strickland) was on today,&uot; Vidalia coach Gary Parnham said. &uot;She pitched the type of game we have come to expect from her.&uot;

The no-hit shutout gives Strickland a 6-1 record on the year, and she was an outstanding 23-4 a year ago. The Viking offense was equally effective as Heather Miller and Jaci Watson collected base hits in the bottom of the first to help the home team take a 5-0 lead.

The bottom of the second was even more impressive as Vidalia sent 17 batters to the plate and scored 12 runs.

Miller picked up two hits in the inning, including a leadoff double that led directly to the first score of the frame.

Jenny Watson, Strickland and Jaci Deweese also added hits in the big inning that was helped by five costly Ferriday errors.

&uot;The girls did exactly what I asked them to do in practice yesterday,&uot; Parnham said. &uot;We wanted to jump on them early and get this thing over with, and we were able to do just that. Hopefully we will continue to improve and be able to make a run at the district title&uot;

Miller led the Viking offense with a 3-for-3 performance while scoring 3 runs. Deweese was 2-for-2 and also scored 3 runs.

The Vikings hosts Monterey in another district contest on Thursday at 4 p.m.