MARIANNA, Fla. - A Carolina Classic in the Florida Panhandle.

Unbeaten Georgetown County, S.C., scored two runs in the first inning Tuesday night and made them stand up the rest of the way as it eliminated the North Carolina champions from Columbus County by a 2-0 score in the semi-finals of the 2007 Dixie Debs (ages 16-18) Softball World Series.

The loss left the North Carolina champs with a 3-2 World record and a tie for third place with Madisonville, La.

The South Carolina champions went against Hernando County, Fla., in Wednesday’s championship round.

On Monday, the North Carolina champion took a 3-0 fourth-round victory over Hartselle, Ala.

Jessica McPherson pitched a complete-game shutout and Kayla McLean had the big hit of the game with a home run.

It was Columbus County’s second shutout victory of the World Series tournament.

Columbus County had opened the World Series Saturday with a 6-1 win over Virginia and took a 1-0 win over Tennessee Sunday morning. They suffered their first loss of the tournament Sunday night, dropping a 9-3 decision to the Louisiana squad.

The 2007 North Carolina champion Columbus County All-Stars consist of Courtney Long, Kelly Strickland, Yolanda McKoy, Joye Buffkin, Brandi Fowler, Marci-anna Pridgen, Morgan Patrick, Kayla McLean, Jessica McPherson, Briana Jacobs, Caroline Newman, Samantha Smith, and coaches Joanna Currie, Daylon Gore and Bobby McPherson.