PINVEVILLE, La. — The Concordia Dixie Youth 14U all-star team won its first game of its state tournament Saturday by taking down Vernon Parish, 7-5.

Concordia coach Daniel Grayson said his team played well all around.

“We hit the ball really well, especially in the first three innings,” he said. “Our pitching has been the backbone all through district, but our bats finally came around today.”

Concordia’s first two batters, as well as three other players on the team ended the game batting 2-for-3 — Preston Higgins, Blake Grayson, Preston Fuller, Ethan Clark and Adam Eames.

Grayson said not only was the offense on point, but so was Concordia’s defense, including outfielders Xander Harveston, Fuller and Eames.

“All three of our outfielders did an especially good job today,” he said. “They all made really good plays.”

Jake Spears earned the win on the mound by pitching the first three innings, and Eames came in for relief in the last two innings.

Concordia will play again at 11:30 a.m. today against JPRD East.

“This win puts us in a really good position,” Grayson said.