Collinwood, Tennessee recently hosted two Dixie Youth Softball State Tournaments. Although they have hosted many tournaments over the years, it is believed to be the first time that Collinwood has hosted State Tournaments. They hosted both the Sweetees (5-6 year-olds) and the Ponytails (11-12 year-olds). Collinwood’s league put a tremendous amount of work in on their park, and it showed! The tournament site looked great.
The Sweetees tournament was comprised of seven teams from Wayne County, Perry County, Centerville, Chester County, Dickson, Madison South, and the host, Collinwood. The double elimination tournament was dominated early on by the Centerville team as they were undefeated going into the championship round. But the Wayne County team had other plans in the end! They defeated the Centerville team in back-to-back games to win the Tennessee Sweetees State Tournament and advance to the Dixie Youth World Series.
The Ponytail tournament was also comprised of seven teams, hailing from Chester County, Savannah, Fairview, McEwen, Summertown, Marshall County, and again the host, Collinwood. The Ponytail tournament followed the same storyline as the Sweetees as it was dominated early on by the Chester County team. But once again, the tide would change. Collinwood took an early loss to Savannah, but would rebound and make a push later on. Collinwood defeated Chester County in the semifinals, making it a three-way tie. Collinwood would win the draw and receive a bye in the championship round. Chester County defeated Savannah in the first game to set up a winner-take-all between Collinwood and Chester County. Collinwood prevailed over Chester County 10-2 and now advances to the World Series! This is the third consecutive year that this team group has made it to the World Series.
The local teams will be well represented in Alexandria, Louisiana. The Wayne County Sweetees, the Collinwood Ponytails, and the Wayne County Belles will all be traveling to represent their age groups as “Team Tennessee.” All teams are wished good luck and safe travels!
