By CURTIS ROCKWELL

Item Sports Editor

D’IBERVILLE — Picayune won its first district championship in slow pitch softball in four years Monday night.

The Lady Tide of veteran head coach Kristi Mitchell beat homestanding D’Iberville in Region 7-5A play, securing the league title and ensuring Picayune will host a first round playoff series in the Class 5A South State playoffs in one week.

“Two years ago these girls got pounded pretty good,” Mitchell said. “And now to look at them and see how much they have grown together and matured, I am very proud of them. And it’s nice to bring a district title back to the community.”

The Lady Tide used some solid defense and timely hitting to get the win Monday night, as well as some strong pitching to earn a decision that moves Picayune to 13-4 overall and 5-1 in league play.

Sarah Dodd recorded her seventh shutout of the year on the pitching mound.

Picayune also managed to get out of three different bases loaded spots in the game, including one with no outs.

“Our defense played really well,” Mitchell added. “And for Sarah to get another shutout as well, that’s pretty big.”

Both Dodd and Brandi Rabion drove in runs for the Lady Tide, both coming on RBI-sacrifice flys. Amanda Green and Millie Gill each had two hits in the winning effort, while Gill and Bethany Crawford each scored runs and Jessica Rancifer reached base four times.

The Lady Tide will wrap up regular season play Thursday traveling to Poplarville before hosting either McComb or Brookhaven in the playoffs on Tuesday.