SHALLOTTE – It was a tough way for the perennial state champion Columbus County Dixie Boys (ages 13-14) All-Stars to open state tournament play.

The Columbus squad committed seven errors Saturday in a 6-5 loss to Bladen County in the opening round of play at Shallotte Community Park.

The Columbus squad received a second-round bye and will go against Duplin County today at 2:30 p.m.

Beret Proctor and Michael Watts each had two hits for the Columbus County for Columbus County.

Columbus County, which has won the past two state Dixie Boys championships and nine of the past 10, is one of 14 teams competing in the double-elimination tournament, which is scheduled to run through Friday or Saturday.

The tournament winner will compete in the 2006 Dixie Boys World Series, which is scheduled to open on Aug. 5 at Grand Prairie, Texas.