Dixie Angels X-Play World Series kicks off with Opening Ceremonies
Published 9:46 pm Friday, July 27, 2012
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Members of the Troy team enter the field during the 2012 Dixie Angels X-Play World Series opening ceremonies in Troy, Ala., Friday, July 27, 2012. (Messenger Staff Photo/Thomas Graning)
At 10 a.m. today, Troy Parks and Recreation will accomplish two firsts.
The first pitch between South Carolina and Texas will mark the beginning of the first ever Dixie Angels X-Play World Series and also the first softball World Series hosted by the city of Troy.
“We’ve hosted four boys World Series before,” Troy Parks and Recreation Director Dan Smith said. “This will be the first girls World Series and we want it to be the biggest and best ever.”
Team from 11 states and Troy’s host team representative converged of the Recreation Center Friday night for a banquet and Opening Ceremonies.
“I wasn’t expecting that,” South Carolina manager Ruthie Osteen said of the surprise fireworks display that began with the final note of the National Anthem.
The teams were introduced and were given words of encouragement for Troy softball head coach Melanie Davis.
“Don’t forget Triple-A,” she said. “Athletic ability is a gift, academics are required to be a success, and attitude. You have to have the right attitude.”
South Carolina and Texas as well as Alabama and Tennessee will kick off the tournament at 10 a.m. at the Troy Sportsplex. Georgia will take on Virginia and Louisiana will play Florida at noon. North Carolina and Mississippi will square off at 2 p.m. Troy, the host team, received the first round bye and will play the winner of South Carolina and Texas on Sunday at 10 a.m.
The tournament is the last of seven tournament hosted by the city of Troy and the Troy Parks and Recreation Department.
Troy host three softball state tournaments that concluded July 17.