By DAN BISER

A chartered bus carrying a dozen 9 and 10-year-old girls along with their coaches, parents and other supporters departed from Lake Waccamaw this morning, headed for the East Texas city of Sulphur Springs for the 2006 Dixie Angels Softball World Series.

The East Columbus All-Stars claimed the North Carolina Angels championship by going undefeated in five games of last week’s state tournament in Lincoln County. The team had qualified for the state tournament by winning five straight games in the District 9 Tournament at Burgaw.

East Columbus team members are Kendra Bowen, Lexus Dudley, Darian Formyduval, Alina Freeman, Brianna Graham, Danielle Hyatt, Jasmine Jacobs, Kaitlin Jackson, Jamie Pridgen, Monica Revels, Mackaela Smith and Magan Soles.

The team will arrive in Sulphur Springs on Friday in time for the World Series opening ceremonies that evening. The North Carolina champions will take on the Tennessee champions Saturday at 5 p.m. (CDT), in opening-round play. The 12-team, double elimination tournament will run through Aug. 4.

This will mark the first time that a team from Columbus County has advanced to Dixie Angels World Series play.

“Columbus County has had teams in the older age groups (Ponytails, Belles and Debs) make it to the World Series, but this is the first time for an Angel team,” said District 9 director Julie Strickland. “It should be a very exciting trip for these young girls.”

Jimmy Jackson, who coaches the team along with Buddy Jones and Paula Jones, said the East Columbus team “has really pulled together and worked hard from the start.

“They all enjoy playing and have had a lot of fun competing together,” Jackson said. “They were really excited about going to the state tournament, but going all the way to Texas for the World Series is about as exciting as you can get.

“It’s a long drive and we’ll be seeing some top-notch competition, but I think our girls will be ready for it,” Jackson added.

Note: In the cutline with the East Columbus Angels team picture on Page 1B of the July 24 issue, the name of EC player Monica Revels was inadvertently omitted.