The Dixie Belles softball team proved itself to be a rude host last week, and they will try to be a rude guest this week.

The Belles spanked their opposition in the Dixie Belles State Tournament last weekend, but today, the team will gather in Troy at 6 p.m. to leave for the Dixie Belles World Series in Dennison, Texas. The Belles face the host team Dennison in the first round Saturday night at 8:30 p.m.

Troy is calmly confident heading into the tournament.

"I think we can win it," pitcher Whitney Johnson said.

Troy will be in a familiar situation Saturday night when the tournament starts. Dennison will not have played a game yet because it is the host team. Troy was in a similar situation when the state tournament started in Troy last week.

Troy was a little shaky in the first game against Foley. Troy won by a fair enough margin and scored nine runs, but the team looked less than sharp at times.

This time, Troy will have the advantage of having played several times together while the opponent has not had any game experience.

"We played a few games against Troy State's softball team," Troy coach Trudi Garner said. "Even their quarterback (Hansell Bearden) played against us. We played some tough opponents."

Garner is fairly confident heading into the tournament. Troy is one of 12 teams competing for the World Series championship, but Garner thinks Troy has a chance.

"It only takes five wins to win the championship," Garner said. "That's what I'm telling the kids."

Opening ceremonies for the tournament will take place Friday night in Dennison.