PINEVILLE, La. — The Vidalia 15- and 16-year-old All-Stars advanced to the Little League World Series by winning a doubleheader against East Texas in the Southwest Regional Sunday.

With one loss entering into Sunday’s contest against East Texas, Vidalia had to win two games in order to advance — and they did just that. With scores of 6-2 and 10-7, Vidalia secured its ticket to Lower Sussex, Del., and a chance to appear on national TV.

“It feels great,” Vidalia head coach Micah Hughes said. “There are thousands of little league teams across the United States, and only 10 go to the World Series.”

Vidalia will represent the State of Louisiana in the World Series and will face Italy in their first game next Sunday. Their second game will be against Puerto Rico.

“Some of the games will be aired on ESPN3 online, and if we make it through to the championship round, it’ll be aired on ESPN2,” Hughes said.

Hughes gave all the credit to his team, saying they showed a will not to give up.

“We got beat 12-2 and fought back hard,” Hughes said. “We deserve to go. We have a great bunch of girls, and we’re excited about going. Getting to play against other countries is not something you get to do every day.”